One Battle After Another Movie Review: Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro & Sean Penn Lift A Script That Otherwise Lacks Focus
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall
Language: English (with subtitles)
Runtime: 162 Minutes
Available On: Theatrical Release
Genre: Drama / Action / Political Thriller
Introduction
Director Paul Thomas Anderson, known for classics like Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, and Licorice Pizza, returns with his latest film — One Battle After Another. Whenever PTA comes out with a new project, expectations automatically skyrocket because you know you’re not getting a typical Hollywood formula film — you’re getting an experience.
But here’s the question: does One Battle After Another live up to the legacy of Anderson’s filmography? Or does it crumble under its own ambition despite having a powerhouse cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro?
Let’s dive deep into this ambitious, politically charged, and slightly uneven cinematic journey.
Story Overview
One Battle After Another is set in a world that feels both politically current and emotionally distant. It follows Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up former revolutionary who once belonged to a radical group called French 76. The group’s ideology and past actions remain a mystery for much of the film — they bombed buildings, they wanted reform, but whether they were terrorists or freedom fighters is left for the audience to interpret.
Now, fifteen years later, DiCaprio’s character is a paranoid, stoner father living a quiet life until his daughter (played by the promising newcomer Chase Infiniti) becomes a target of Colonel Lockjaw (Sean Penn), a ruthless and morally conflicted antagonist who has ties to the government — or perhaps something even darker.
As Lockjaw hunts down DiCaprio’s daughter, the film unfolds as a psychological and emotional battle between two men on opposite sides of ideology and morality — both deeply flawed, both shaped by violence, both fighting for control over what little they have left.
Performances: The Film’s Strongest Asset
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio once again proves why he’s considered one of the finest actors of our generation. He completely disappears into his role — a former revolutionary who’s now more broken than brave. His portrayal is layered with anxiety, regret, and helpless determination.
DiCaprio plays him not as a typical hero but as a man struggling to hold on to sanity. There’s an unpredictability in his performance — you don’t know when he’ll break down or explode. His comedic timing in the more satirical scenes also adds a unique edge to an otherwise heavy film.
In short: this is DiCaprio in complete control of chaos — subtle one moment, explosive the next.
Sean Penn
Sean Penn as Colonel Lockjaw is intense and terrifying. From his very first scene, you sense menace — a man who has seen too much and lost too much. But the problem is, the film doesn’t quite know what tone it wants for him. Sometimes, he’s genuinely chilling; other times, the writing slips into satire, making him feel inconsistent.
Still, Penn’s performance commands attention. Even when the tone falters, he never does.
Benicio Del Toro
Though Benicio Del Toro has limited screen time, he’s arguably the film’s standout. His character enters midway when the narrative starts finding its rhythm, and every scene he’s in is magnetic. His calm, calculated energy contrasts perfectly with DiCaprio’s erratic intensity.
He doesn’t need many dialogues — his eyes and body language speak volumes.
Chase Infiniti
For someone so new, Chase Infiniti is surprisingly impressive. She portrays the vulnerability and inner strength of a daughter caught in a world of violence she doesn’t understand. Her chemistry with DiCaprio feels authentic — not just father-daughter on paper, but emotionally resonant.
Direction & Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson remains a filmmaker who refuses to follow trends. His direction here is bold, cinematic, and visually poetic. The long takes, slow pans, and deliberate silences give the movie a signature PTA flavor.
However, the screenplay struggles to maintain focus. The film feels tonally uneven — sometimes it’s a political satire, sometimes a dark family drama, and at other times a straight-up thriller.
The first act feels choppy, like Anderson wanted to get to the core conflict faster but still wanted to indulge in world-building.
The second act, however, is where the movie truly finds its stride — tension builds, the characters’ motives become clearer, and the satire feels sharp rather than misplaced.
The final act again dips slightly due to pacing issues — it feels both rushed and stretched, which makes the 162-minute runtime feel longer than it actually is.
That said, when Anderson’s direction works, it really works. There are several visually stunning moments — a confrontation scene between Penn and DiCaprio lit only by firelight, and another sequence set in a collapsing safehouse — that remind you of why PTA remains a cinematic genius even when his stories falter.
Tone & Themes
At its core, One Battle After Another is a story about ideology, legacy, and the decay of revolution. It questions what happens to idealists when the world moves on. Do they become heroes, or just relics of their own mistakes?
Anderson uses this premise to explore themes of fatherhood, regret, and political disillusionment. The satire works best when he pokes fun at modern-day hypocrisy — the film even hints at billionaire puppet-masters and secret societies pulling strings behind world politics, though it never fully commits to explaining them.
It’s an ambitious blend of dark comedy and political drama, but the mix doesn’t always gel smoothly. Some scenes feel tonally confused, like they belong to different movies stitched together.
Cinematography & Music
Visually, the movie is gorgeous. The cinematography by Robert Elswit (a frequent PTA collaborator) is breathtaking. The use of warm tones during flashbacks and cold, gray palettes in the present beautifully symbolizes DiCaprio’s broken idealism.
There’s also a unique sequence shot in one continuous take — a confrontation between DiCaprio and Del Toro — that’s easily one of the film’s highlights.
The music, scored by Jonny Greenwood, perfectly complements the movie’s mood. From haunting violins to distorted guitars, the soundtrack mirrors the tension and emotional chaos of the narrative.
Editing & Pacing
If there’s one major flaw in One Battle After Another, it’s the pacing. The film feels too long for its own good. At 162 minutes, it’s nearly three hours — and you feel every bit of it.
The first act is choppy, the last act overstays its welcome, but the middle — the second act — is pure PTA magic. You can sense that a four-hour director’s cut exists somewhere, and perhaps that version might flow more naturally.
As it stands, this version feels like two great movies competing to escape from one bloated script.
What Works
- Outstanding Performances: DiCaprio, Penn, and Del Toro are top-tier.
- Gorgeous Cinematography: Every frame is carefully composed.
- Strong Second Act: Once the movie finds rhythm, it delivers beautifully.
- Emotional Core: The father-daughter relationship anchors the film.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: Explores ideology, power, and regret.
What Doesn’t Work
- Uneven Tone: Switches awkwardly between drama and satire.
- Slow First Hour: Takes too long to build emotional connection.
- Lengthy Runtime: 162 minutes feels excessive and drags at times.
- Inconsistent Villain Treatment: Sean Penn’s character tone fluctuates.
- Confused Political Symbolism: The message gets muddled in subtext.
Final Verdict
One Battle After Another is not for everyone. It’s not a casual Friday-night watch — it’s the kind of film that demands patience, attention, and an open mind.
It’s a flawed yet fascinating political drama — full of brilliant performances, strong ideas, and haunting visuals. But the script struggles to balance its satire with its seriousness, and the pacing often kills the tension it works so hard to build.
Still, when the film works, it soars. The acting ensemble is among the best you’ll see all year. DiCaprio is phenomenal, Penn is fierce, Del Toro magnetic, and Chase Infiniti a revelation.
Ultimately, this is a movie you appreciate more than you enjoy.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
A visually stunning, performance-driven drama that aims high but lands unevenly. Watch it for DiCaprio and Del Toro — they’re worth the ticket price alone.
