One Battle After Another
2025
*****
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti, Tony Goldwyn, Alana Haim, Wood Harris, Shayna McHayle, John Hoogenakker
Pat and Perfidia are lovers and members of a radical activist group known as the French 75, who are eventually taken down by the authorities. Sixteen years later, Pat lives off the grid with their daughter, Willa, but the coast is not yet clear. Paul Thomas Anderson was inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland and began writing his satirical action drama some 25 years ago. Now that the film is out, it feels both poignant and incredibly timely in its depiction of radicalism, white supremacy, and anti-immigration crackdowns, but it is also a moving story about a father and daughter. Anderson delivers a totally immersive and supremely entertaining mix of drama and comedy; 160 minutes pass in a flash. The performances are all excellent, with Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Teyana Taylor standing out in particular. It was shot in VistaVision and features another incredible score by Jonny Greenwood. The film deservedly won six Academy Awards for best picture, director, adapted screenplay, casting, editing, and supporting actor (Penn).
