Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest cinematic odyssey drops us into a world of chaos, corruption, and cannon fire, where the characters are as eccentric as their names—yes, someone is really called Junglepussy. At its heart, the film explores survival, resistance, and the ugly truths baked into modern society, but it does so with humour, grit, and a cast stacked with talent.
The ensemble is outrageous in the best way. Chase Infiniti steals the spotlight as Willa—off the back of her excellent turn in Presumed Innocent, she proves she’s the kind of actor who can command the room with both strength and vulnerability.
Leonardo DiCaprio does what DiCaprio does—he’s magnetic as a father whose protective instincts come with a dangerous, paranoid edge. Sean Penn turns in a villainous performance that simmers with menace, while Benicio Del Toro sneaks in laughs as the comic relief you didn’t know you needed.
Then there’s Teyana Taylor, who delivers the most memorable moment of the film as an outlandish, pregnant freedom fighter wielding the biggest gun you’ve ever seen. Her role may be short, but it’s unforgettable.
This is PTA’s most expensive film yet, and every frame screams it. The cinematography is slick but purposefully gritty, making you feel the dust, sweat, and tension of this warped reality.
Anderson is known for crafting fascinating characters, and this is no exception. The sheer variety—complete with wild names like Sober Rick—feels almost cartoonish but somehow grounded, pulling you into the madness.
One Battle After Another is about 45 minutes too long. The pacing stretches patience, and by the time the credits roll, you may feel like you fought one battle too many just watching it.
That said, the film’s strength lies in its characters and its unapologetic social commentary. Anderson uses humour to smuggle in sharp critiques of systemic racism, immigration, white supremacy, and corruption, ensuring the message is clear without being preachy. The balance between satire and sincerity works beautifully—rarely do you laugh and nod in grim agreement at the same time.
What falters is the supposed emotional anchor: Willa and Bob’s bond. With limited screen time together, their relationship never quite lands with the impact it should.
Still, the ending ties things together nicely, reinforcing the idea that life truly is, as the title suggests, one battle after another. It’s powerful, provocative, and entertaining—but “film of the year”? Not quite.
Fun, thought-provoking, and packed with memorable characters, One Battle After Another is a messy but meaningful ride. The run time is punishing, but the message lingers long after the dust settles. Recommended to watch in IMAX.
