Paul Thomas Anderson has always been one of those directors whose name alone draws cinephiles to the theater, and his latest film, One Battle After Another, is no exception. Written and directed by PTA, the film boasts a stacked cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, and more. With that kind of talent, it’s hard not to be intrigued before the opening frame even hits.
The story follows Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio), a former revolutionary now living off the grid, whose past catches up to him when his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti) is abducted. Forced back into action, Bob reunites with old comrades, navigates a fractured America, and takes on ruthless enemies in a desperate attempt to reclaim his daughter. The film blends political satire, action, family drama, and PTA’s signature offbeat humor into something that feels both timely and timeless.
I’ll be honest: in the first 20–30 minutes, I wasn’t entirely sure I was on board. I enjoyed it, but I wondered if it was going to live up to the hype. Then, almost without realizing it, I found myself more and more locked in as the runtime played out. By the final hour, I was completely engrossed, and the third act had me glued to the screen. This is a film that builds momentum steadily until it crashes into a finale that is exciting, satirical, and emotionally charged.
On a technical level, One Battle After Another is stunning. The cinematography is gorgeous, the sound design is rich, and the musical score evokes an old-school Hollywood vibe. PTA also leans heavily on practical effects, including some impressive stunt work and car chases, which add grit and authenticity to the spectacle.
Performance-wise, DiCaprio anchors the film as Bob, a washed-up ex-revolutionary who’s more of a reluctant, bumbling hero than a traditional leading man. Watching him try to shake off years of pot-smoking and drinking to rescue his daughter is both darkly funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Chase Infiniti is excellent as Willa, giving a performance that more than holds its own alongside DiCaprio. Benicio Del Toro is another standout, bringing both humor and gravity to his role in sequences that feel organic, even when delivered without subtitles. Sean Penn, meanwhile, goes completely off the rails in one of his strangest and most unhinged performances in years.
Not everything works perfectly. Regina Hall feels underutilized, and Teyana Taylor’s character—so important early on—is dropped from the story in a way that feels abrupt. Some narrative beats also feel a bit rushed or undercooked, as if PTA had more ideas than he could fully flesh out. Still, those flaws never outweigh the film’s strengths.
At its core, One Battle After Another is about character—about flawed, broken people navigating a chaotic world. It’s a film that juggles satire, action, and family drama, and though your enjoyment may depend on how you feel about the ending, there’s no denying it’s one of the most ambitious and well-crafted films of the year.
By the time the credits rolled, I felt like I had just watched something truly substantial, even if a few rough edges held it back from perfection. When I look back at 2025’s best films, I won’t be surprised if this one shows up near the top of many lists. For me, it’s not only one of the better films of the year but also proof that PTA still knows how to captivate and challenge audiences in equal measure.
Rating: 8/10.