Paul Thomas Anderson’s new feature film, One Battle After Another, is inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s ’80s-set “Vineland” novel. Anderson’s screenplay is a story of family, drama and resistance that will captivate an audience. While this story is set a few decades back, the story of resistance is not just about the current time. History shows the many fights that have happened in the last centuries for various reasons – and continue. This is one film to watch and make your own decisions about what was then and now in this story.
I have not read the source material – the “Vineland” novel – and not sure how close to the novel the film is, but Anderson’s screenplay is a mix of action, political intrigue and of course, some dark comedy with Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Bob Ferguson. He is a single dad raising Willa (Chase Infiniti), now 16 years old. He prefers rural life as opposed to a big city and tries to keep a low profile while there. There is a reason behind the choice. He used to be a demolitions expert for an anti-establishment organization, the French 75.
Their missions were not favorable with the government, especially the military police force in places that were seen as unjust to citizens. There is a merciless leader, Col. Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), who holds on to reasons to hunt members of the group down. There is plenty of action in those scenes, some of which are seen in the film’s trailer.
Bob and Willa’s quiet life is turned upside down when Col. Lockjaw (Penn) is hunting again – this time focused on finding Willa. Deandra (Regina Hall), another 75er with Bob, helps him get Willa to safety while he must jump into action – something he has sorely forgotten how to do. He seeks help from a local sensei, Sergio St. Carlos (Benicio del Toro) to not be captured by Lockjaw’s troops sent with the excuse to raid the town, as seen in the news.
One great scene in the film is when Bob is going mad not knowing about his daughter’s safety and sensei Sergio St. Carlos remains calm and in charge of the multiple situations he is handling in the community. Yes, this sensei has a great community network seen during the film. Benicio is great in this role. And so is DiCaprio’s performance as he shows the love of a father for his daughter. His scenes with Infiniti can be appreciated by the audience. The performance by Infiniti is great as Willa who is shown to have growth in her life from this experience.
Anderson’s screenplay has America appearing with shades of a government that some are intent on changing and keeping. The Christmas Adventurers Club is shown to be a secretive group who have learned about some of Lockjaw’s past. So, the audience will learn what and why they choose to be selective about.
Anderson’s returning collaborator, cinematographer Michael Bauman (Licorice Pizza) shot the film that has excellent scenes of action, including the car chase scenes. The film’s score is by another collaborator, composer Jonny Greenwood (Inherent Vice, The Master, Phantom Thread).
162 minutes. Rated R and in theaters September 26th. [Note: This review is after viewing the film at Fantastic Fest 2025.]
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures