One Battle After Another (2025)
Content by Tony Macklin. Originally published on October 13, 2025 @ tonymacklin.net.
One Battle After Another is a film for 2025. It may even reach audiences out of their comfort zone.
It doesn't transcend politics -- it has strong contemporary verberations -- but it is also quality entertainment. It is in powerful chunks. It belongs on the big screen.
One Battle After Another is an episodic tale full of conflict. It is the story of a society under assault from all sides. It also puts a human face on many of the beleaguered. It indicts a society that seeks "racial purification," authoritarianism, and one-dimensional intimidation. It's a jumble of conflict.
A radical activist Paul Calhoun (Leonardo DiCaprio) under the alias Bob Ferguson goes into hiding with his offspring Willa (Chase Infiniti) after his organization is destroyed.
Bob is under a stupor of alcohol and drugs for many years, but when Willa is arrested he has to try to rescue her. He has to compete with his old nemesis Col. Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn).
The direction by Paul Thomas Anderson is potent. He also is credited as writer. [He was influenced by Thomas Pynchon's Vineland.]
One of Anderson's fortes is action. If you only go to see One Battle After Another just for the post-robbery chase, it's worth it. It challenges Bullitt (1968) and The French Connection (1971).
Another strength of Anderson is character. The actors are more than proficient. Sean Penn gives a memorable performance as Col. Steven Lockjaw, who at times seems borrowed from Dr. Strangelove (1964). Penn is among the favorites for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
DiCaprio is excellent as the frazzled Bob Ferguson. DiCaprio may say "fuck" more than any star has ever done on screen. Even 3 times in one sentence.
Chase Infiniti is appealing as Willa. Teyana Taylor adds spirit as a revolutionary. And Benicio Del Toro adds heart as an intelligent underground leader.
Johnny Greenwood's score is artful.
All in all, One Battle After Another stands its ground.
