One Battle After Another (2025) Film Review: Unconventional, completely bonkers, and totally extraordinary

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When a corrupt military official, Colonel Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), kidnaps and threatens the sixteen-year-old daughter of an ex-revolutionary turned bum, Pat/Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), a group of freedom fighters reunites to help rescue Willa (Chase Infiniti).

Inspired by the 1990 novel Vineland by Thomas Pynchon, this screwball/action/thriller of epic proportions is produced and directed by one of the greatest twenty-first-century filmmakers, Paul Thomas Anderson.

Featuring a versatile, talented cast with Hollywood dynamites like DiCaprio, Penn, and Benicio Del Toro in leading and supporting roles, as well as highlighting relative newcomer Chase Infiniti, the film has already received widespread critical praise, with some even deeming it the movie of the year.

Certainly one of the most unique and more experimental films to be released in recent memory, Anderson masterfully manages to seamlessly blend several different genre conventions together within its nearly three-hour run time. Ambitious and fearless regarding its overt political commentary and satirical lens, the tightly crafted narrative is gripping from the very start. Despite its hefty screen time, the film is paced very well, dipping in and out of action set pieces smoothly whilst also accommodating for meaningful character drama and plot development.

Leonardo DiCaprio leads the film as a washed-up, single father who is forced to return to his past life as a revolutionary to rescue his daughter from a serious threat

As can be expected from Anderson, intricate, meticulous filmmaking is on full display in every shot, showcasing clear thought and attention to detail. There are some truly spectacular action sequences throughout, especially regarding one towards the beginning where tough, no-nonsense far left revolutionary Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor) attempts to escape police forces after a bank heist goes wrong, resulting in an almost video game-like surveillance status as POV shots from an above helicopter drop viewers directly into the action.

There is also an exhilarating car chase sequence set in an expansive desert landscape, showcasing stellar camera techniques as it smoothly captures the ascending and descending terrain. The general feeling is gritty and steeped in realism, resulting in a nail-biting viewing experience as evil forces seek to destroy the good and innocent.

The film is also very funny, reveling in its dark humour and absurdist qualities, which exist to poke fun at certain social groups in American society, with white supremacy supporters and racists awarded the most focus. These particular scenes are written and performed completely straight, highlighting the farcical nature of the edgy screenplay.

There are genuine laugh-out-loud moments littered throughout, with many of DiCaprio's scenes serving as the film's funniest, most memorable moments, some of which are already featured in the official trailer. Hollywood heartthrob Leo is on top form as always, portraying a drug and alcohol addict channeling his inner Dude from The Big Lebowski (1998) and spurring into desperate action once he discovers that his daughter is in danger.

He calls the French 75 helpline (the name of the revolutionary group), only to fail to remember the code phrase to allow him to receive the location of the rendezvous point, resulting in deeply relatable, authentic human reactions from DiCaprio, which definitely got plenty of laughs from the audience.

Following the public humiliation of Captain Steven Lockjaw (Penn), courtesy of dedicated freedom fighter Perfidia (Taylor), this corrupt, dangerous military leader will stop at nothing to satisfy his desires and enact revenge

The whole cast does terrific work here, with every major player given time to shine when needed. Chase Infiniti, as the daughter of Bob and Perfidia, is excellent, displaying a strong range and carrying a believable mix of self-assured femininity as well as untampered innocence. She is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future!

There has already been some early speculation regarding an Oscar nomination for Sean Penn in his supporting role, perhaps giving the standout performance of the film. His character is absolutely diabolical with his selfish motives and problematic, conflicting world views; however, Penn also manages to evoke a certain layered vulnerability. Every movement and gesture is precise and well-conceived, making for one of the most memorable performances of the year.

The film's deliberate tonal imbalances, varying from wacky antics to a more serious approach, are orchestrated to paint a realistic portrait of modern America. The socio-political complexities facing the country are never an easy subject of discussion, and Anderson challenges audiences with a more offbeat, non-traditional style of filmmaking, which summarises the difficult times we currently live in.

Jonny Greenwood's very original, striking score complements these themes perfectly, encapsulating the madness and organised chaos surrounding the revolutionary movement, whilst also addressing the meeting of old and new generations, as Willa is able to come into her own and summon inner strength to battle her oppressors, similar to what her parents fought for years earlier.

Young up-and-coming superstar Chase Infiniti makes a strong impression as a teenage girl caught up in her parents' drama and criminal dealings

The film generally feels like a big call to action from Anderson, bringing significant socio-political issues affecting everyone to a wide variety of viewers and encouraging them to discuss these ideas openly. Despite an intelligent screenplay, the messaging can often feel too preachy and signposted, which may be a major point of contention for some spectators. There are also a couple of sequences that lag, making one feel the longer run time at points. It does not quite hit every comedic and emotional beat it is going for, but it does succeed for the most part.

One Battle After Another is the latest impressive offering from a true cinematic visionary. Although this one will certainly not be everybody's cup of tea, due to its bold examination of modern social and political issues facing America and unconventional filmmaking style, cinephiles and regular cinema-goers will definitely appreciate the technical prowess on display.

Go check it out on the big screen and enjoy the fun, often baffling, yet breathtaking creative output of the great Paul Thomas Anderson.

Check out the trailer for One Battle After Another (2025) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!