Going into 2025’s Fantastic Fest, I had two big wishes for the secret screenings. The first was the latest film by Paul Thomas Anderson, an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, a movie titled One Battle After Another. On Tuesday night of the festival, the programmers made that wish come true. I have never read Pynchon’s novel, but I knew that I wanted to see and review this movie. Ever since I first experienced Anderson’s landmark film, Boogie Nights, I have been an admirer of his work as a filmmaker. And I knew that Anderson would deliver another unique piece of cinema, which had already generated a lot of positive buzz among the film criticism community.
One Battle After Another is a singular experience unlike anything else released this year. Though it still isn’t my favorite film of the year so far (Sinners), my instincts told me that I would be in for a big treat. With outstanding filmmaking and storytelling by P.T.A. and superb performances by the cast, Anderson’s newest entry is one of his finest.
A group of militant revolutionaries, who dub themselves the French 75, use explosives and violence to battle against the powers-that-be (the U.S. government) to fight fascism, racism, misogyny, and xenophobia. “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun (Leonardo DiCaprio) follows his lover, Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor), a high-ranking member of the French 75, and does his part to support their cause. However, Perfidia is eventually apprehended by Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn) and his team, tasked with stopping the violent acts of the French 75.
Before her arrest, Perfidia gives birth to daughter Charlene (Chase Infinity), forcing the father and daughter to go into hiding, as Perfidia is forced to give up her fellow members of the group. The movie jumps ahead to when Charlene and Pat live as Willa and Bob Ferguson, far removed from Bob’s old life. Bob is now a washed-up stoner, coping with the possible dangers of being caught, while struggling to maintain some semblance of normalcy for his daughter. Meanwhile, Col. Lockjaw accepts a promotion in exchange for capturing the remaining members of the French 75 who are still at large.
While this synopsis sounds simple enough, there are more personal stakes at hand, which I will not spoil for my readers. One Battle After Another is actually a complex examination and somewhat satirical look at what has become of the United States. With the government ruling with an iron fist, the French 75 fight back hard as a response to the freedoms taken away from certain people. While I cannot exactly condone all of their activities, it is undeniable that if someone pushes too hard in one direction, you have to expect a strong pushback.
That said, the film changes course when the story focuses on Bob and his troubles, as he attempts to raise his beloved daughter safely, while encouraging her to maintain the strong will she inherited from her mother. This part of the movie is when the more comedic elements come into play, as Bob becomes a sad example of someone who lets his fears and paranoia complicate his relationship with his daughter.
Though his fears are not entirely unfounded, he often comes across as a bit of a buffoon, caught totally out of his element. Anderson is definitely at the top of his game with his writing and direction, as is the cast of the movie. The filmmaker delivers a lengthy, yet always riveting and entertaining story, where, despite the flaws of the characters, the audience wishes for the best outcome.
There are so many amazing scenes and sequences here, along with some wonderfully absurd humor, as Bob Ferguson must find the one-time “courageous” activist/terrorist he once was to protect his daughter. Although I have high praise for DiCaprio’s performance, he is outshone by some fellow cast members in some incredible moments in the film.
First of all, Teyana Taylor is phenomenal as the fierce warrior Perdida. Chase Infinity makes an indelible impression in her first feature performance as Charlene/Willa, a brilliant and strong young teen who indeed takes after her mother. Sean Penn is absolutely fantastic as Col. Lockjaw, a military officer passionate about his cause, but also someone whose weaknesses could derail a promising career in the U.S. government. Lastly, Benicio del Toro is an absolute treat to watch as Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, Willa’s karate teacher, but also someone who is doing his part to help the marginalized and disinfranchised.
I absolutely loved this movie. It is one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s better films, and one that remains highly relevant, given the direction our government has taken. Aside from that, Anderson presents a movie that is so gorgeous to watch and experience. He, his crew, and his cast make this one of the best films of the year. It is easily my favorite film of Fantastic Fest 2025. One Battle After Another is now playing in theaters everywhere.