One Battle After Another

If you're into wild, politically charged thrillers with a heart, One Battle After Another might just be your next favorite movie. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this 2025 action thriller is a sprawling, high-stakes ride that blends revolutionary drama with a deeply personal father-daughter story. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob, a washed-up ex-revolutionary living off the grid with his fiercely independent daughter Willa, played by breakout newcomer Chase Infiniti. When Bob’s old nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the past comes crashing back, forcing him into a desperate search that’s as much about redemption as it is survival.

The film is inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, but Anderson mixes in his own stories to create something uniquely his. It’s a big, bold movie—clocking in at 162 minutes—with a massive budget and even bigger ideas. Shot in VistaVision and featuring a score by Jonny Greenwood, the film is visually and sonically rich, with action sequences that are as stylish as they are intense.

One Battle After Another has been praised for its mix of screwball energy, emotional depth, and political commentary. Critics have called it Anderson’s most entertaining and thematically rich film yet. The performances are a major highlight—DiCaprio brings a raw vulnerability to Bob, while Sean Penn delivers a chilling turn as the villainous Steven. Chase Infiniti has been singled out as a magnetic new talent, and the supporting cast, including Regina Hall and Teyana Taylor, adds even more depth.

That said, this isn’t a film for everyone. If you’re not into long, layered narratives or politically charged themes, it might feel overwhelming. Some critics found the plot a bit scattered and the messaging heavy-handed. But if you’re a fan of Anderson’s work, love a good underdog story, or just want to see DiCaprio as a paranoid stoner dad dodging fascists, this is a must-watch.

Whether you’re in it for the action, the emotional core, or the social commentary, One Battle After Another delivers a cinematic experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Just be ready for a wild ride.