One Battle After Another

Official Australian release date: 25/9/25. Viewed: 1/10/25.
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Rating: M

‘One Battle After Another’ may not be as good as ‘There Will Be Blood’, but it’s quite an accomplished effort. After the hectic, relentless 30min start that crams in a few years of freedom-fighting with Perfidia (Taylor) and Bob (DiCaprio) and lots of quick cuts, with little exposition, as we see a semi-fictional anti-immigration police-state-USA. We then move to 16 years later to follow Bob and their daughter Willa (Infiniti) in California, trying to lead a normal life, and settle into a more regular pacing.

I quite enjoy dishevelled, not-in-control/atypical hero Leo, who doesn’t have a costume changer for the final 2 hours! He’s funny without being a fool and shows good heart. Speaking of bad fashion – Lockjaw (Penn)’s haircut makes him an obvious bad-guy right from the start! Sensei Sergio (Del Toro) does his great cheeky nonchalance to perfection. And newcomer Infiniti is strong, especially in the final 30min.

I’d say it’s a mix of spy thriller, action, drama and social commentary all rolled into one. The old White men ruling the world thing is sadly not too much of a stretch. There’s not actually that much violence, even as it almost turns into a Western. The roller-coaster car-chase near the end is great to watch – and all aided by a solid soundtrack. The score is good in most parts, but sometimes purposefully off-putting. It does feel quicker than 2 hours 35min, and has a satisfying conclusion.

Overall: Enjoyable, relentless action mash-up

Gav’s Rating: 4 stars