I rarely feel compelled to share my thoughts on movies, but I have to acknowledge that I really liked this film. The script felt original and inventive, the performances were excellent, and there was a constant stream of unexpected developments. It struck me as reminiscent of a Sergio Leone movie in its relentless pace. Leo DiCaprio was fantastic, as expected, exhibiting a gradual transformation into Jack Nicholson, and Chase Infinity delivered a commendable performance; however, Sean Penn truly dominated the screen. His exaggerated depiction of an ardent believer in his cause, while also embodying an almost insurmountable presence, was outstanding. It proved to be quite an engaging experience overall. Although the Academy Awards are still pending, I was taken aback by the 2026 Golden Globes selections. Teyana Taylor performed well, though her character’s writing felt somewhat simplistic. She made the most of what she had, and I did anticipate a significant shift in her role later on. Sean Penn's interpretation of Col Lockjaw seemed heavily influenced by Dustin Hoffman. His character unexpectedly possessed more nuance than the others. It makes me question whether Paul Thomas Anderson intended to present him as an anti-hero. He truly outdid himself with this film; his directing and screenplay worked together seamlessly, creating a powerful message about right-wing extremism interwoven with contemporary racism through a narrative. The recognition he received was certainly justified.

Source on TMDB