One Battle After Another
If you're into wild, politically charged thrillers with a heart, One Battle After Another might just be your next favorite movie. Directed, written, and produced by Paul Thomas Anderson, this 2025 action thriller is a sprawling, high-energy ride that blends revolutionary drama with a deeply personal father-daughter story. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob, a washed-up ex-revolutionary living off the grid with his daughter Willa, played by breakout newcomer Chase Infiniti. When Bob’s old nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the story kicks into high gear, diving into a world of paranoia, past sins, and the fight for redemption.
The film is loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, but Anderson mixes in his own stories and ideas, creating something uniquely his. It’s got all the hallmarks of a PTA film—complex characters, layered storytelling, and a killer soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood. But this time, he’s also gone full action-thriller, with big set pieces, suspenseful chases, and a surprising amount of humor and heart.
Visually, it’s a stunner. Shot on 35mm VistaVision, the film looks incredible on the big screen, especially in IMAX. The production took place across California and Texas, with real locations adding grit and authenticity. And yes, it’s long—clocking in at 162 minutes—but most critics agree it earns every minute.
Critics have been raving. With a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 95, it’s being called Anderson’s most entertaining and thematically rich film yet. DiCaprio and Sean Penn (as the villainous Steven J. Lockjaw) are getting major praise, with Penn’s performance being singled out as one of his best in years. Chase Infiniti is also turning heads as a rising star.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not into politically charged stories or films that lean into anti-fascist themes, this might not be your cup of tea. Some conservative commentators have criticized the film’s politics, and a few reviewers found the plot a bit overstuffed.
But if you’re up for a bold, emotional, and visually striking ride that mixes action, satire, and family drama, One Battle After Another is well worth the trip to the theater. Just maybe bring a snack—it’s a long one.
Showtimes in English at Cinemas in Paris
Sunday, 19 Oct
Monday, 20 Oct
Tuesday, 21 Oct
The movie 'One Battle After Another' is shown in English if it is a movie in English originally - or with English subtitles, if it is NOT a movie with original audio in English.
'One Battle After Another' will be lighting up screens in Paris, with 127 showings at 15 fantastic cinemas. Don’t miss your chance to catch it in English!