ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER - Review

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film is the most energetic, politically charged, and grand film he’s made while never sacrificing any of the distinct qualities found in his earlier films. From the layered ensemble of actors going through significant transformations over many years to the hypnotic strings and playful keys from Jonny Greenwood’s magnificent score. They beautifully support this epic story of revolutionaries and the law enforcement clashing and the innocent people forced to deal with their faults. Even with the inclusion of a disposable character around the second half, the truly expressive blocking, glorious celluloid film look, and one subversion after another make this 2hr 40min film feel anything but boring. One of Anderson’s best films that blends the best of his comedic and dramatic work. Especially with Sean Penn who steals every scene he’s in and ranks high as one of the best performances found in a PTA film.

Still Courtesy – Warner Bros.

Among the group of revolutionaries known as the French 75 are Pat (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Perfidia Beverly Hills (portrayed by Teyanna Taylor) who become the main center of attention for law enforcement officer Steven J. Lockjaw (portrayed by Sean Penn) through the group's various crimes along with personal reasons. After a robbery gone wrong from the group where Lockjaw is given the upper hand to take advantage of the captured and bring justice, Pat has no choice but to escape and change his identity to Bob Ferguson along with his daughter Willa (portrayed by Chase Infiniti). Many years later go by and with Lockjaw's power rising when becoming a colonel, he becomes aware of Bob and Willa's location and stops at nothing to pursuit them. Thus, the ex-revolutionaries have to assemble and protect Willa from Lockjaw and his team wrecking havoc. Meanwhile, Bob with the help of Sensei Sergo (portrayed by Benicio del Toro) does whatever it takes to reunite with Willa leading to an endless amount of disruptions getting in the way.

After all the smaller character-driven dramas and comedies that Paul Thomas Anderson has made, he's certainly changed it up with his most action-packed offering that represents a thrilling leap forward in his filmmaking journey. The film is his most dynamic and politically charged to date, marking a bold departure from his earlier works while still retaining the unique traits that have made him a distinctive voice in cinema. Anderson blends his signature style with a sweeping, ambitious vision that feels both timely and timeless, drawing the viewer into a world of complex characters and grand, sweeping conflicts.

The film’s strength lies in its ensemble cast, who portray characters undergoing deep transformations over the course of many years. The depth and emotional arc each actor brings to their role is stunning, supported by Jonny Greenwood’s brilliant score. The haunting strings and playful keyboard melodies create a mood that lingers long after the credits roll, amplifying the emotional weight of the narrative. Their collective presence elevates the story of revolutionaries clashing with law enforcement, as well as the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of their struggle.

Still Courtesy – Warner Bros.

While the story remains gripping, there is a slight hiccup in the second half of the film with the introduction of a new character. This plot development feels somewhat tangential and risks slowing down the otherwise steady pace of the narrative. Though it doesn’t derail the film, this shift momentarily distracts from the core journey, making the experience feel a bit meandering at times. However, the film quickly finds its footing again, pulling the audience back into its gripping atmosphere. Anderson’s visual style is nothing short of breathtaking. The film’s expressive, cinematic quality is enhanced by its stunning celluloid look, which adds an organic texture to the storytelling. Paired with the masterful direction, One Battle After Another keeps the viewer on edge, constantly subverting expectations.

With every scene, Anderson pulls off surprising twists that ensure the film remains fresh and engaging for its entire 2-hour-and-40-minute runtime. Despite its length, the movie never drags, constantly pushing forward with tension and excitement. What stands out in this film is how well Anderson blends his comedic and dramatic sensibilities. There is a delicate balance of humor and pathos that makes the film feel both engaging and deeply human. In particular, Sean Penn’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. His ability to command every scene he appears in while being given such a layered, dense, and hilarious character to portray. It places him among the best actors to work with Anderson, offering one of the standout performances in his storied career. One Battle After Another is without a doubt one of Anderson’s finest works, serving as the perfect first film to watch from him if people have yet to see his phenomenal filmography where he shows no signs of slowing down in quality.

Verdict

10/10

Still Courtesy – Warner Bros.