One Battle After Another Review
Some films are destined to be classics from their very first viewing, and other films earn their classic status over time. One Battle After Another is the former. It’s a truly staggering, politically charged powder keg that never allows you to turn away from its message. This is a Paul Thomas Anderson film through and through, an exhilarating and elaborate addition to his already fantastic filmography.
After years in hiding, a group of former revolutionaries must return to action when their sworn enemy resurfaces and kidnaps one of their own. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a washed-up ex-revolutionary who must go on the run to find his daughter, but after so long out of the game, he stumbles at the hurdles thrown at him. He must do so without the accompaniment of his wife, Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor), who is cut off from the family after a mission gone wrong.
One Battle After Another‘s most potent weapon is its cast. The performances are a masterclass in controlled chaos, proving that a story with deeply dark themes can still be filled with heart and a healthy dose of comedy. DiCaprio once again demonstrates his effortless command of a fast-paced plot. His performance is a central pillar of the film’s emotional weight, as he effortlessly portrays a man burdened by his past. Chase Infiniti delivers a brilliant, nuanced performance, playing off both her character’s father’s sad act and the senseless violence of her other main counterpart, Sean Penn.
The true standout, however, is Penn. Expertly playing a constant source of ridicule, he delivers the best villain we’ve had in a long time with a chilling blend of calculated menace and absurd senselessness. His presence is a constant source of unpredictable danger. Meanwhile, Benicio del Toro’s character, Sensei, bumbles around with an intent that makes you dare to say he’s the friend we all want in our lives.
Thomas Anderson’s direction dazzles in how he crafts a thrilling and elaborate narrative that fits perfectly into his filmography. He masterfully balances the film’s politics and visceral themes, with moments of satire and heartfelt humour, creating a tone that is both electric and pertinent.
The movie’s ability to build tension is riveting and absurdly effective. From its opening frames, it feels like a taut, suspenseful narrative, always on the verge of exploding. The cinematography is gorgeous and the score magnificent, creating an atmosphere that is maddening. The film truly doesn’t drop the ball anywhere in its execution. The only moment where the impeccable pacing falters is in the third act, where the sheer length of the runtime begins to be felt.
One Battle After Another is a sincere and satirical triumph that feels profoundly relevant to our current moment. It’s a film we’ll look back on for years to come, a testament to what can be achieved when every element is a class act.
★★★★★
In UK cinemas September 26th / Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Alana Haim / Dir: Paul Thomas Anderson / Warner Bros. Pictures / 15
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