One Battle After Another Movie Review – “A Wild Mix of Action, Humor & Heart”
by Rahul Mishra | October 5, 2025
“If politics were this entertaining in real life, we’d never skip the news again! One Battle After Another — directed by the always-unpredictable Paul Thomas Anderson — is a thrilling rollercoaster that blends action, dark comedy, and human emotion into one delicious mess of chaos.”
The Story
One Battle After Another throws us straight into the chaotic, regret-filled world of Bob Ferguson (played by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio), a former revolutionary who once believed he could change the world with a gun in one hand and love in the other. Bob was part of a radical group called French 75, alongside his fierce and unpredictable partner Perfidia (Teyana Taylor).
Their greatest enemy? The unrelenting Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn) — a man who makes even your boss on a Monday morning look kind.
But when Perfidia gets captured and betrays the movement to protect her unborn child, everything falls apart. Bob is left behind, wounded both in body and spirit, forced to raise their daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti) alone
Fast forward sixteen years — Bob is trying to live quietly, drinking bad coffee and pretending the past is just a bad dream. But as movie fate always demands, Lockjaw returns, still obsessed with unfinished business. And when Willa suddenly disappears, Bob is thrown right back into the dark world he swore off.
Teaming up with his loyal old comrade Deandra (Regina Hall) and the hilariously mysterious sensei Sergio St. Carlos (Benicio Del Toro), Bob embarks on an emotional rescue mission that’s equal parts action, satire, and family drama.
It’s not just bullets flying this time — it’s emotions, memories, and a whole lot of dark humor.
Performances That Pack a Punch
Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t just play Bob Ferguson — he owns him. From fiery speeches to quiet, emotional moments, he perfectly blends anger, humor, and heart. His chemistry with Chase Infiniti (Willa) gives the film its emotional core, making you care even amid chaos.
Teyana Taylor is intense and unpredictable as Perfidia, while Sean Penn’s Colonel Lockjaw is menacingly hilarious. Benicio Del Toro steals scenes with deadpan humor as Sergio St. Carlos. Together, the cast turns One Battle After Another into a thrilling, emotional ride that lingers long after the credits roll.
Direction & Cinematography – Classic Paul Thomas Anderson
Paul Thomas Anderson proves once again why he’s a master of balancing chaos and emotion. His signature style is everywhere: long, sweeping shots that let the tension breathe, perfectly framed crowd scenes, and intimate close-ups that capture every flicker of emotion on DiCaprio’s face.
The film’s pacing is tight yet fluid — action sequences feel explosive without losing clarity, and quieter family moments are given the space to resonate. Anderson’s use of lighting and color subtly reflects the story’s tone: grimy, intense, and occasionally absurdly funny, matching the satirical edge of the plot.
Even the background score plays like another character — heightening tension one moment, then underscoring humor the next. In short, the direction and cinematography make One Battle After Another feel cinematic, alive, and unmistakably Anderson.
Final Thoughts – Thought-Provoking, Emotional, and Unforgettable
One Battle After Another can be challenging at times, but it leaves a lasting impression. Paul Thomas Anderson doesn’t just want you to watch — he wants you to think, feel, and stay invested.
Yes, some parts test your patience, but stick with it: the reward is emotional depth wrapped in sharp political satire. At its core, the film is about fathers and daughters, promises broken and kept, and the haunting question of whether fighting ever truly ends. Leonardo DiCaprio carries this weight masterfully, blending intensity with subtle restraint.
Anderson once again proves he can turn complex ideas into cinematic brilliance. With unforgettable performances, meticulous direction, and moments that linger long after the credits roll, this is a must-watch movie of 2025.