Paul Thomas Anderson has dropped what many are calling the most electrifying film of 2025. One Battle After Another rolls out as a political thriller, dark comedy, and action epic all in one, and the buzz around it is impossible to ignore.
Plot and Characters that Keep You Hooked
The story centers on Bob, a former revolutionary who’s now a single dad trying to keep his life together. Sean Penn delivers a career‑defining turn as Bob, a man haunted by his past and plagued by memory gaps that could cost his daughter’s safety. When an old enemy known only as Lockjaw resurfaces after a 16‑year hiatus, Bob’s world flips upside down.
Bob’s teenage daughter, Willa, is played by breakout talent Chase Infiniti. Willa becomes the target of Lockjaw’s renewed crusade against the French 75 revolutionary group, forcing a high‑school dance into a frantic exfiltration scene. Regina Hall, as former ally Deandra, swoops in to whisk Willa away, adding a dash of tension‑filled family drama.
Adding another layer, Benicio Del Toro portrays sensei Sergio St. Carlos, the enigmatic trainer who helps Bob navigate a dangerous cat‑and‑mouse chase. Even Leonardo DiCaprio pops up in the ensemble, offering a powerful cameo that enriches the film’s texture.
Behind the Camera: Direction, Visuals, and Sound
Anderson teamed up again with cinematographer Michael Bauman, whose camera work stays lean but packs a punch. Bauman’s knack for motion makes every chase feel like a living, breathing character, especially in a visually arresting border‑wall sequence that feels more like a painting than a typical action set‑piece.
The score, crafted by Jonny Greenwood, is anything but ordinary. Greenwood builds tension with sparse, single‑note piano strikes that sound almost like a warning alarm. At times the music mimics a cat sprinting across piano keys, giving the film an unsettling, jittery vibe that mirrors Bob’s fragmented memories.
Clocking in at 2 hours and 41 minutes, the movie never loses its propulsive energy. Scenes flow from quiet, introspective moments to high‑octane raids without missing a beat, keeping viewers on edge from start to finish.
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Metascore: 96 (based on 125 critic reviews)
- Awards: 3 wins, 1 nomination
- Runtime: 2h 41m, Rated R
Critics are raving, calling the film "a remarkably propulsive, fun, and eventually moving piece" and praising its ability to humanize the chaotic machinery of revolution. The blend of political heft, dark humor, and raw emotion sets it apart from typical genre fare.
In short, Anderson has turned a story about aging revolutionaries into a masterclass in modern filmmaking. The combined forces of a stellar cast, daring direction, striking visuals, and an off‑kilter score make One Battle After Another a must‑watch for anyone who loves cinema that pushes boundaries.