One Battle After Another review: Leonardo DiCaprio shines in the best film of the year

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.

In many of Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies, there’s a moment when the audience becomes fully captivated by his storytelling.

This filmmaker-known for critically acclaimed movies like Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, and Phantom Thread-is a master of telling captivating and intricate stories. His newest film, One Battle After Another, is sure to be another standout achievement.

Okay, so this new film draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s novel, *Vineland* – a book that’s notoriously difficult to pin down, much like Pynchon himself. Now, Paul Thomas Anderson tackled Pynchon before with *Inherent Vice*, and that was a pretty faithful adaptation. But if you’re going in expecting the same here, think again. This isn’t a scene-for-scene recreation; it’s more of a… spirited interpretation. Don’t come looking for a direct translation from page to screen – you’ll be disappointed.

I’ve always been amazed by how difficult people say it is to bring Pynchon’s sprawling, digressive novels to the screen. It makes perfect sense, though! So, what Paul Thomas Anderson did was brilliant – instead of trying to do a straight adaptation, he took little pieces of the story – a fascinating character trait here, a surprising plot twist there – and reimagined them as something completely his own, brilliantly setting everything in the present day. It’s not a copy, it’s a beautiful, inspired take on the original.

He successfully captures the energy and style of Pynchon’s writing, maintaining its rebellious attitude, quirky humor, and serious themes. Both the book and film express a strong disapproval of powerful, militaristic leaders and a sense of frustration with the absurdity of a world that feels like it’s falling apart. Importantly, the film also focuses on a heartwarming father-daughter bond, adding a powerful emotional core.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a character we first meet as a brave and determined young rebel during the film’s exciting opening. He’s part of a group called the French 75 and is in a passionate relationship with Perfidia Beverly Hills (played brilliantly by Teyana Taylor). While her energy and spontaneity help the rebel cause, they also unfortunately lead to her tragic fate.

Sixteen years later, Bob has become withdrawn and anxious, a far cry from his passionate former self. He spends his days watching movies and smoking marijuana, and struggles to connect with his teenage daughter, Willa (played brilliantly by Chase Infiniti), who seems to have inherited her mother’s strong personality.

When Willa is targeted by Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), Bob’s old enemy, Bob is forced out of retirement. He must team up with both familiar and new allies to protect his daughter and regain his fighting spirit.

The pursuit that follows is both exciting and hilarious, moving quickly enough that the nearly three-hour movie feels surprisingly short. Leonardo DiCaprio is fantastic as a reluctant operative thrown back into action, and his character’s struggles to adapt to outdated methods provide many of the film’s biggest laughs. Adding to the fun is a delightfully wicked organization called The Christmas Adventurers Club, which is a brilliant piece of satire.

The acting throughout the film is fantastic. Penn is especially brilliant as a truly awful character – a weak, insecure, and spiteful man whose hateful beliefs are fueled by lust and personal grudges. His unsettling performance is likely to earn him serious awards consideration.

Look, I already knew Anderson was a fantastic director, but this movie really showed he can handle action too! The set pieces were so creative and unexpected, especially this insane car chase at the end – seriously, it was brilliantly done. And the music? Johnny Greenwood knocked it out of the park with this really intense, piano-driven score that just *perfectly* matched the energy of everything happening on screen.

What makes “One Battle After Another” particularly impactful is how relevant it feels today. While the script was started two decades ago-and its themes would resonate at any time-the film’s exploration of issues like police brutality, the inhumane treatment of immigrants, and the rise of extremism among powerful figures feels especially pressing right now.

Despite the challenges it portrays, the film is ultimately hopeful and moving. It beautifully highlights how important strong communities and real human connection are, particularly when the world often feels isolating. Without question, it’s the best film released this year.

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2025-09-17 20:56