Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, "One Battle After Another," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, is receiving widespread critical acclaim, with many calling it "absolute cinema" and one of Anderson's finest works. The film, which loosely draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon's novel Vineland, is a hyperkinetic, genre-blending thrill ride that maintains relentless pacing throughout its nearly three-hour runtime.
DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a washed-up, paranoid revolutionary living off-grid with his self-reliant daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti). When his old nemesis, Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), resurfaces and Willa goes missing, Bob must confront his past and find her. Teyana Taylor plays Perfidia, Bob's former lover and Willa's mother, a revolutionary whose actions lead to the dissolution of their group, the French 75. Benicio del Toro appears as Sensei Sergio, Willa's martial arts instructor.
Critics are praising the film's ambitious storytelling, strong performances, technical excellence, and its relevance to contemporary political issues. The action sequences are described as having the eye-popping practicality of "John Wick" or "Mad Max: Fury Road". DiCaprio's performance is being hailed as both hysterical and heartfelt, with some comparing his bumbling hero to Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin. Sean Penn's portrayal of Lockjaw is also generating Oscar buzz, with some suggesting it could become an all-time great villain. Chase Infiniti is being lauded for her authentic portrayal of Willa, anchoring the film with a powerful and vulnerable performance.
Anderson's direction is described as brilliant, seamlessly blending comedy, action, political thriller, and family drama. The film's tone is likened to a spiritual successor to Anderson's Boogie Nights. The score and editing are also receiving high praise, perfectly matching the movie's frenetic energy.
The film tackles themes of political violence and the search for hope in dark times. While the film is set in the present day, it retains a sense of the culture wars, presenting an extreme action movie with superbly managed car chases. One Battle After Another suggests that even in the face of an all-powerful government, people can find the will to survive, regardless of the morality of their means.
Some critics note that the film feels too long, with a slow-developing first hour and a slightly unsatisfying ending. Despite this, One Battle After Another is being celebrated as a major achievement for Paul Thomas Anderson, showcasing his unique ability to blend genres and create something new and vital. The film is a must-see for fans of Anderson, DiCaprio, and Penn, as well as those interested in thought-provoking political thrillers.
