Reviews — One Battle After Another
Audience write-ups from TMDB
The Fixate & Binge Podcast, w/ Joe Curdy
Regardless of how you examine Paul Thomas Anderson’s **ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER**, whether taking a broad or detailed perspective, the film presents numerous narratives that expand or contract depending on your viewpoint. On a grand scale, the movie explores the restrictive societal forces that compress large groups of marginalized people into a collective – and depicts those who seek to dismantle these oppressive…
PeaceMeal
Fans of films like Pulp Fiction might find something to enjoy here, though it diverges in significant ways. Rather than featuring a traditional hero reminiscent of Bruce Willis, "One Battle" presents Leonardo as a former Antifa leader—a violent leftist who retreated from activism to raise his daughter. It’s easy to understand why the actors' union selected this film for Best Motion Picture, given that its members …
mgaugy
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, …
badelf
Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's "One Battle After Another" feels like a familiar PTA film, but it distinguishes itself with significant changes from his previous work. It represents Anderson’s growth as a filmmaker, venturing into areas he has previously only explored briefly. For the first time, Anderson directly addresses political and contemporary issues. He confronts themes of immigration…
drewwash
I went into this expecting to be disappointed; the promotional campaign felt excessive, leading me to believe it couldn't possibly live up to the hype. Surprisingly, it turned out better than I thought and provided an enjoyable time. It’s not something you’ll remember for a long time, but it was still worth seeing.
Henry | The Reel Verdict
One Battle After Another proves to be an impressive dark comedy-drama, managing to blend humor with a disturbing sense of reality. The actors deliver noteworthy performances, and the visuals are remarkable in how they portray both closeness and suspense within each moment. Woven throughout its funny parts is a strong story concerning affection, strength, and what political struggles demand from people. What’s special…
Brent Marchant
It’s easy to assume that major events shape our decisions, but it's still striking to see how personal concerns—those seemingly smaller issues—often have the greatest influence on what we do. This becomes clear in writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel, Vineland. The film depicts a near-future America where a struggle for control of the nation's culture and politics unfolds b…
tender_buttkiss
This is a really solid film. It creates the impression of being set in an American future that isn’t far off, and it shares some thematic similarities with *Civil War*, though the two movies are otherwise quite different. The intense action and frenetic pace immediately grabbed my attention. I also appreciated the inclusion of the Christmas Adventurers club—it certainly helped get me into a festive mood! Long liv…
CinemaSerf
The story centers on American revolutionaries who raid an immigration facility, freeing numerous detainees. During the operation, their leader, Perfidia (Teyana Taylor), creates a strong connection with the center's commander, Lockjaw (Sean Penn). She doesn't stay free for long, but before her recapture, she and fellow rebel Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio) have a child. Years later, this daughter, now a teenager living with …
gvasil
It’s hard to deny that this film is the standout of the year so far; even after just four days in theaters, it's already won over audiences and critics for good reason. With so many forgettable movies being released each year, a film has finally arrived that clearly intends to make a statement, and at precisely the right time in history. The story follows people who decide to fight against what’s portrayed as an e…
Manuel São Bento
The film *One Battle After Another* stands out as an impressive achievement, showcasing remarkable acting and a layered storyline that reveals more with each viewing. It offers a frenetic, gripping, and unexpectedly funny look at contemporary America, the burden of the past, and how the pursuit of progress is handed down through generations. The ensemble cast shines, but Chase Infiniti’s performance as a rising ta…
DosAnjos
This is quite an intense experience; I was gripping the edge of my seat throughout. If you're in the mood for something gentle and easygoing, this isn't it—you won't find any peace of mind. There's absolutely no opportunity to unwind or feel at ease. The film’s execution is superb.


