Paul Thomas Anderson, one of the most acclaimed directors of all time with an extensive repertoire and range from many genres and stories such as “Punch-Drunk Love,” “There Will Be Blood” and “Phantom Thread,” decided to create a new picture with the main character portrayed by Leonardo Dicaprio, and with very strong political tones about America and revolution.
“One Battle After Another” released on Sept. 8, 2025, based on the 1990 novel “Vineland,” is a film showcasing the story of the French 75, a far-left group with members “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun, played by Dicaprio, and Perfidia Beverly Hills, played by Teyana Taylor. This group opens the start of the film by showcasing a breaking into a Detention Center, freeing a large number of detained individuals. Perfidia also gets to meet officer Steven J. Lockjaw, played by Sean Penn, who becomes entranced by Perfidia and turns it into a sick sexual relationship, while also developing into the main antagonist of the second half of the film.
Pat and Perfidia fall in love and have a kid, with Pat becoming more scared of their status as members of French 75 and Perfidia constantly keeping up with the new events by the group. This relationship ends with Perfidia being caught and escaping to never be seen again, and Pat running away with their kid to a sanctuary city and changing his name to Bob Ferguson.
The following remainder of the movie turns more focus onto the daughter Willa, played by emerging actress Chase Infiniti. The star-filled cast with an additional appearance by Benicio del Toro doesn’t overshadow her skills as the protagonist of the second half, and she is able to create a very realistic, but also bold take on the character. Sean Penn is another highlight, as expected coming from a two-time Oscar winner, and del Toro also makes for the funniest but chilliest karate teacher in any piece of media.
The editing and pace of this almost three hour film does not even feel as a 2 hour one. Quick camera movements, interesting twists and an overall understanding of when to cut (or not cut) a scene makes for a genuine impressiveness towards Anderson and his constant quality in his films. Combining comedy, action and heartfulness is not a simple task, but it all blends perfectly with both incredible jokes and characters we care about.
One very specific sequence, being the car chase at the end of the film, stays as a pinpoint of Anderson’s skill and talent, becoming an extremely interesting and smart idea on shooting these types of quick following scenes. Finally, the soundtrack composed by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood perfectly accompanies the piece and adds to the overall chaotic-ness that we see.
Taking such a strong stab in a very critical point in politics makes Anderson someone who very strongly follows one of the main points of art, to evoke feelings, and remembers many that all art can and is political. Creating such a piece with some of the largest actors of our generation makes for not only a film, but a statement.
“One Battle After Another” is available in movie theaters all around the world, and I highly recommend it to anyone reading.
