“One Battle After Another” is Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s tenth film that recently hit cinema screens nationwide on September 26. The story follows protagonist Bob Ferguson, played by Leonardo Dicaprio who is a former member of the French 75, a political activist group infamous for their striking protests and extreme acts of liberation.
As Ferguson ages, he departs from the group in an effort to raise his daughter, Willa, played by rising star Chase Infiniti. In her first film role, Infiniti has already given a career defining performance as Willa. Ferguson’s life is then turned upside down when an old foe, military Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, resurfaces around the same time his daughter, Willa, goes missing. From that point forward, there is constant, heart-pounding action. Ferguson can’t rest until he locates Willa, but he can’t do it on his own.
Admittedly, I was hesitant about this film. I love Paul Thomas Anderson’s prior filmography, from “Magnolia” (1999) to “There Will Be Blood” (2007), but nothing about this film excited me. Even with the starstudded cast, the movie appeared quite dull from trailers. It’s nearly three hour run time certainly didn’t heighten my expectations either.
However, as I left the cinema, I was astounded. From the acting, to the soundtrack, to the eerily relevant social commentary about America’s view on immigration, this movie leaves viewers with so much to think about.
Interestingly, “One Battle After Another” is Anderson’s first film in the past two decades that is set in the present day and was Anderson’s first time incorporating cell phones into his films. This adds another layer of relevance and room for viewers to relate by considering the rise in technology within modern society.
One of the film’s underlying plots revolve around the French 75’s mission to liberate detainment centers across the Texas-Mexico border. This is reminiscent of today’s America’s political conflict against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
An article from Vera reported detainments by ICE are currently at their highest historical rate with upwards of 59,000 people are being held in detention centers, reporting violence and medical neglect perpetrated by members of ICE.
This movie could not have come out at a more pertinent, crucial time. While ICE is not a new organization, it is more prominent in the news now because of recent legislation concerning Donald Trump’s expansion, funding, and enforcement of ICE in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”.
While “One Battle After Another” is an epic action-comedy blockbuster made on a $175 million budget, it’s making a positive impression on a new subset of viewers. It resonates with so many viewers, including myself, because the film at its core revolves around family.
Very early on in the film, Ferguson makes a necessary decision that will forever change the life of himself and his daughter. As the film progresses and we watch Ferguson’s perilous journey, though not once does he lose sight of his goal to bring Willa home. Ferguson may not be a perfect person, but there’s never any doubt about the love he holds for his daughter.
Even with its huge budget, “One Battle After Another” still maintains heart. It’s not soulless like other 21st century blockbuster movies. The film does not rely on senseless action to cover up bland characters with zero development. Every detail included in the film is masterfully planted within the plot. The characters leave viewers with a cause to feel passionate about and a sense of belonging.
“One Battle After Another” is still in theaters as of this publication but it is estimated to be available to rent or buy in early to mid November. By mid December, the film should be available to stream on HBO Max.
My advice: go watch it in theaters as Paul Thomas Anderson intended while you still can!
