Paul Thomas Anderson’s Cinematic Brilliance Makes It a Must-Watch

RATING – ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✨3.5/5*

One Battle After Another Review movie Talkies:

I’ll be honest right at the start: I absolutely hated Paul Thomas Anderson’s last outing, Licorice Pizza (2021). It didn’t work for me at all, and I was desperately hoping for a strong comeback from a filmmaker of his stature. With One Battle After Another, that comeback is finally here. This is what you call “Absolute Cinema” in those social media meme templates—an experience, something that demands to be seen, felt, and absorbed on the biggest screen possible, ideally IMAX. You don’t just watch this film—you live it. The tension, the moments, the sound, the carefully framed shots, and the performances all breathe together in sync, creating a cinematic gem that reflects Anderson’s genius. Ten months into 2025, this stands out as my best cinematic experience of the year, even if the Story itself doesn’t have much depth to offer. It is filmmaking as pure art, alive in its most refined form.

One Battle After Another Story:

The Story is deceptively simple. We follow Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), a member of the revolutionary group the French 75, and his partner Perfidia (Teyana Taylor). Col. Lockjaw (Sean Penn) becomes infatuated with Perfidia, who cleverly takes advantage of his lust, weaving him into a deceptive plan. She vanishes, leaving behind her newborn daughter with Bob. Sixteen years later, that baby grows into Willa (Chase Infiniti). The past returns with vengeance as Lockjaw resurfaces, now part of a new mercenary group, determined to hunt Bob and his daughter. Bob, once sharp and lethal but now washed up and out of practice, must summon every ounce of his old self to protect Willa from Lockjaw’s wrath. It’s a Story of survival, fatherhood, and lingering revenge—straightforward, yet elevated by how it’s told.

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At 160 minutes, the runtime might seem daunting, and yes, there are places where 10–15 minutes could have been trimmed. But surprisingly, it never drags. The first half moves slowly, carefully laying the groundwork, establishing the relationships and the world. It’s not the kind of setup that makes you restless—it keeps you alert, waiting for what’s coming. The second half then shifts gears, delivering a thrilling ride with a mix of tension, dark humor, and action crafted out of realistic situations. The final 45–50 minutes are edge-of-your-seat cinema, where the suspense, the chases, and the confrontations feel immersive not just because of the writing, but because every technical element of filmmaking works in harmony. That, to me, is where Anderson’s brilliance lies: he makes you feel the craft as much as the Story.

One Battle After Another Cast:

And then there’s Leonardo DiCaprio. What can I even say that hasn’t already been said about him? He’s the strongest pillar of the film, the emotional backbone. Honestly, I could recommend One Battle After Another just to witness his performance. Once again, he proves why he will be remembered as one of the greatest actors of our time. He doesn’t just play Bob—he becomes him, with every gesture, every weary look, every desperate attempt at resilience. Right behind him is Sean Penn, who delivers one of his career-best turns as the villain. Lockjaw is terrifying, twisted, and utterly magnetic on screen. This is a villain you’ll remember out of all movies this year. Benicio del Toro shines in his limited role, leaving a lasting impression. Teyana Taylor is striking and confident, balancing hotness with sharp dialogue delivery. Chase Infiniti, as Willa, really finds her footing in the second half, evolving into a character you root for. Regina Hall, Alana Haim, Wood Harris, and others contribute solid supporting work that enhances the narrative without overshadowing the leads.

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Now, let’s talk about the technical triumph. On a pure craft level, One Battle After Another might be the most accomplished film of 2025 so far. The cinematography is jaw-dropping. From intimate close-ups that capture raw expressions to shaky frames that heighten realism, Michael Bauman’s camera brings texture and depth to every scene. The final car chase sequence, in particular, is a masterclass—intense, chaotic, and breathtakingly shot. Even though this isn’t a racing film like F1 The movie, the camerawork here felt far superior, creating urgency without losing clarity. Sound design is another standout. Every gunshot, footstep, and ambient noise is distinct, immersing you fully in the onscreen world. The background score amplifies the drama and ensures you stay locked into the rhythm of each scene. Andy Jurgensen’s editing keeps the narrative taut and engaging—no small feat given the runtime and the relatively simple Story. Together, these technical aspects elevate the film beyond its basic premise.

One Battle After Another movie Review:

But above all, it’s Anderson’s direction that ties everything together. He understands cinema as art, not just entertainment. The dialogues are brutal, raw, and at times hilariously sharp—proof of Anderson’s finesse with tone. His control of atmosphere, his ability to draw career-defining performances from actors, and his sheer command of craft make One Battle After Another a high-quality cinematic gem. It isn’t popcorn entertainment or a weekend distraction—it’s an immersive, demanding, and rewarding piece of filmmaking.

So, is the film perfect? No. The Story is thin, and some pacing issues remain. But is it worth experiencing? Absolutely. For me, One Battle After Another was not just another film—it was cinema at its most alive. Watch it, feel it, learn from it. Paul Thomas Anderson has once again reminded us why cinema, in the right hands, remains the greatest art form of them all.

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