Paul Thomas Anderson, a director known for his period pieces, delivers a blistering, hilarious, and surprisingly tender modern-day masterpiece with "One Battle After Another." This isn't your typical PTA film, drawing inspiration from Thomas Pynchon's 'Vineland' but firmly planting itself in a recognizable, anxiety-ridden present, then leaping sixteen years into a future that feels disturbingly similar. The film tackles head-on the complexities of modern America, including immigration detention, white nationalism, and the pervasive sense of unease that permeates contemporary life.
The story follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), initially a demolition expert for a revolutionary group, "The French 75." His actions draw him into the orbit of Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor), a charismatic and fiercely independent revolutionary. Their relationship explodes, leaving a significant impact on Bob's life. Sixteen years later, Bob, now a self-described "drugs and alcohol-lover," grapples with the fallout of his past while protecting his teenage daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti), a captivating newcomer who embodies the film's spirit of resilience.
DiCaprio delivers a tour-de-force performance as the perpetually anxious and often hilarious Bob, a far cry from his usual leading-man roles. He's perfectly paired with Taylor's explosive Perfidia, and the supporting cast, including Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall, adds depth and complexity. The ensemble is a powerhouse of talent, each performance a masterclass in bringing a chaotic world to life. Del Toro's serene Sensei, particularly, provides a calming counterpoint to the film's frantic pace.
Anderson's direction is masterful, blending slapstick comedy with stark realism. The film’s pacing is relentless, mirroring the chaotic energy of its characters and the unsettling times they inhabit. The stunning cinematography by Michael Bauman perfectly captures both the breathtaking landscapes and the claustrophobic intensity of the narrative. Jonny Greenwood’s score further enhances the experience, building tension and punctuating the film's emotional peaks and valleys.
"One Battle After Another" isn’t just a political thriller; it's a deeply personal exploration of parenthood and the enduring struggle against the forces of oppression. Bob's journey becomes a poignant meditation on the complexities of fatherhood in a turbulent world, highlighting the unwavering love and fear inherent in the parent-child dynamic. Anderson masterfully blends the urgency of the present with the weight of history, demonstrating that the battles of the past continue to resonate in the present. It's a film about legacy, the cyclical nature of conflict, and the enduring hope that persists, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Ultimately, it's a powerful reminder that the fight for a better future is a continuous one, fought not just on grand stages, but within the quiet spaces of everyday life.
Warner Bros. will release "One Battle After Another" in theaters on Friday, September 26th.
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Originally published at: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/one-battle-after-another-movie-review-paul-thomas-anderson-1235151707/
