Review: Why ‘One Battle After Another’ should not be overlooked

Renowned American director Paul Thomas Anderson is back with a new film, One Battle After Another. Known for his compelling dramas like Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, and Phantom Thread, the director is now returning with an action comedy that is being widely released in Malaysian cinemas.

One Battle After Another tells the story of a washed-up revolutionary fighter who must face his past once his daughter is kidnapped by a fanatical army colonel. Set in the backdrop of modern America, Anderson latest film is a striking commentary on the deep political divisions globally. Yet, the film is also a compelling tale about the bond between broken families.

The film stars Academy Award winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn and a stellar cast featuring Benicio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, and newcomer Chase Infiniti. With a strong ensemble cast and one of the best directors working today, is One Battle After Another a cinematic revolution or a failed last stand?

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti

Release date: September 25, 2025

Caution! Mild spoilers ahead!

Here’s our review of One Battle After Another

What we liked:

Compelling performances

If there’s one thing about all of Anderson’s films is that amazing performances are a guarantee and his latest film is no different. DiCaprio continues his streak of playing washed-up losers with his anxiety-ridden freedom fighter Bob Ferguson echoing the fragile Rick Dalton from Once Upon A Time in America. Del Toro is also a delight as Ferguson’s karate sensei Sergio, making the most of his limited screentime and lines with the biggest gags.

Newcomer Chase Infiniti is also a surprising highlight as Ferguson’s rebellious young daughter Willa. Although her role is mostly action-heavy focused she pulls of intense dramatic scenes like a seasoned pro and is able to spout off well against the Hollywood stars.

PTA’s sharp script

Anderson’s writing shines once again in his latest film, and I would not expect anything less. There was never a dull moment in the film’s two hour and forty-five-minute runtime. Which was truly surprising as the film did not feel like a bloated epic at all. Though some scenes could have been tightened up, the world was engaging enough to let the right moments breathe.

This film is also unique in Anderson’s filmography as he directly portrays modern events. Issues such as America’s immigration crisis and politically charged violence are addressed. Anderson does not show lean on a side, instead, he shows just how ridiculous and crazy the world has become. He shows the dysfunctions that arise from such issues and the personal toll it takes on those caught in the crosshairs.

Action and hijinks

This film is unique in Anderson’s filmography as it is his first action-heavy film. Playing like an action-drama comedy, the shootouts and chases have a real sense of danger to them and are grounded. Every gunshot and crash is impactful and loaded with consequences.

The first quarter of this film is a montage of the activities of DiCaprio and Taylor’s time as revolutionaries, and the rest of the film is essentially a drawn-out chase sequence. This makes the latter half of the film move at a good pace and doesn’t allow the story to drag its heels as time is of the essence. However, the action-heavy plot of the film does bring out the weaknesses of the story.

What we didn’t like:

Not enough time with the supporting cast

DiCaprio’s pot-headed paranoia as Ferguson anchors the entire film and gives most of the good laughs. However, his performance doesn’t really go beyond portraying a deadbeat dad trying his best. Because of that, he is outshone by the other supporting cast of the film, particularly Penn as the villain of the film, Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw.

Penn plays a typical Anderson character, as weird and vile as he is dangerous. He is entertaining to watch as he delivers absolutely insane expletives with a commanding seriousness. However, just as with the other supporting characters I still felt I did not really understand why he does what he does beyond the plot.

In fact, a lot of the more interesting characters are just bit parts. Helpful guides that assist Ferguson on his quest to save his daughter. Most of the extended supporting cast are not really present beyond the film’s first act. This does narrow down the focus of the story to a few key characters, but knowing Anderson’s skill with handling ensemble casts, I wish we could’ve seen more of them in action.

The father-daughter bond

A key relationship in the film is the bond between Ferguson and his daughter Willa before they are inevitably separated. While there is decent enough screentime to establish their relationship, it did not make me care or root for them to be together. And since Anderson spends such a short time on Ferguson and Willa that the kidnapping and chase lacked a greater sense of urgency. A lot more time is spent on Ferguson’s relationship with Taylor’s character (Willa’s mother), but it did not translate into me caring more about Willa herself. Luckily, Infiniti does a good job with her important scenes. Unfortunately, they do not involve scenes with DiCaprio.

Summary

Being a big fan of Anderson’s past films, I came into One Battle After Another with high expectations and they were met. The film achieved exactly was it was supposed to be: an entertaining, thought-provoking film. Nothing more, nothing less. After most of his films were set in period settings it was refreshing to see Anderson making a film set in the contemporary world and dealing with current issues.

Is it his best work? No. But is it the best film of the year? Most probably. Considering the current landscape of remakes, sequels, and blockbusters, a film like One Battle After Another stands out as a rare type of film that is dying out. An original film made by an auteur director just doesn’t rake in the box office today. But with Warner Bros. still pushing this release worldwide in IMAX, even into Malaysia, it’s still a sign that desire for these films is still alive.

Cast: 9/10

Plot: 8/10

Visuals: 10/10

Score: 9/10

Overall rating: 9/10

One Battle After Another premieres in cinemas nationwide on September 25, 2025.

All images by Warner Bros. Pictures

Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.