After several Paul Thomas Anderson films that focused on obsessive narcissists, I fell out of love with his work and officially broke up with him. Then he cooked up LICORICE PIZZA, and I was instantly reminded of why he is one of the great filmmakers of my generation. I’m so happy to report that Anderson’s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is a beautifully complicated tale about our divided country, which strangely is a love letter to fathers and daughters.
It’s without a doubt that in the early Oscar race, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER should break Anderson’s streak of never winning the Oscar after eleven nominations. Whether it’s for Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, or Picture is TBD – but he will take home an award for this film.
The best P.T. Anderson films feel like one giant climax (see MAGNOLIA, BOOGIE NIGHTS, PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE). ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is no different than that as we watch Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio) face off against Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn). The award-worthy score by Jonny Greenwood even further propels this. Each segment of his music opens and closes like a bookend, informing the audience of the next chapter in this sprawling, epic film.
Let’s get to the performances. It goes without saying that DiCaprio is fantastic as the Lebowski-like lead character, and Penn is superb in a role that’s a complete 180 from his portrayal of Harvey Milk. Audiences are also gifted a scene-stealing supporting role from Benicio Del Toro playing Sensei Sergio St. Carlos. Yet, outside of those heavyweights, Willa (Chase Infiniti) is the heart and soul of the movie. The complexity in the emotional turns she has to go through as she learns the truth of her dad and mom’s past with the French 75 is going to turn Chase Infiniti into a household name and possibly earn nominations during the upcoming award season.
Final Thoughts: ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is easily a top-five film of 2025. While it’s flawed by an overlong third act, what makes it such a miracle is that it’s able to do so in a timely manner, while also never being preachy about the current state of these divided, not-so “United States.”
It’s playing in theaters now.
