Paul Thomas Anderson, we need to talk. You cannot wait another decade to drop another film on us after the absolute masterpiece you just delivered with One Battle After Another. This movie is a full-on cinematic event, and right now, I’m still smiling about it.
Here are the details you need to know about the film, followed by my take on why this is the best political film I have seen in decades.
Official Film Details
- Synopsis: Bob Ferguson, a washed-up revolutionary and paranoid stoner dad, is living off the grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa. When Bob’s nemesis, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, resurfaces, Willa goes missing. Bob is forced to confront his radical past and battle the consequences of his history to save his daughter. (Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel, Vineland).
- Director/Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Key Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, and Regina Hall.
- Runtime: 2 hours and 50 minutes.
- Music: Jonny Greenwood
The Review
The Acting: Everyone Brought Their A-Game
Let’s start with the acting, because this is the best acting I have seen in a film by an entire cast. There is not one person who didn’t bring it to the table in this film.
The directing of these characters is masterful. The vision PTA had, and how he molded these incredible actors to come to life, is something to behold. I just wish I could have been a fly on the wall to watch the collaboration between him and Sean Penn, it’s just incredible. If Sean Penn doesn’t get some serious accolades and a nomination for his work here, something is wrong. Frankly, every single last one of them deserves nomination somehow, especially the brilliant performance from Chase Infiniti.
And then there’s Leonardo DiCaprio. Look, I’m just going to say it: he is now one of my favorite actors. I think he’s incredible, and the roles he continues to pick are, hands down, brilliant.
Teyana Taylor’s role is so layered that you, at times, do not understand her motives, but you connect with her.
Oh, and Regina Hall? Oh my God, Regina Hall. She’s has a small role, but when she is on screen, she is magnificent.
The Political Storyline for Today
The story is so great, and so deeply political. I understand that Paul Thomas Anderson took many years to write this film, but that time paid off, because it is incredibly important for today and the climate we’re in.
The writing, at times, is a little tongue-in-cheek to some of the storyline, but it’s delivered in a way that’s not crass toward anyone. It’s meant to just be like, “Here you go, I’m going to drop it on you. Do with it what you must.”
A little anecdote about Benicio Del Toro. Apparently, he signed on to play his character, Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, without even reading the script! That’s magnificent, it shows he knew this director/writer would give him exactly what an actor wants.
Technical Brilliance: Cinematography and Sound
I want to get into the two things that, for me, hands down made this film probably the most enjoyable film, and definitely the best political film I have seen in decades: the cinematography and the score and sound.
The tension that is done with the camera and the sound is just so brilliant. It’s so masterful. The technical excellence really sets this movie apart.
Final Verdict
I’m telling you now: I’m going to see this again.
I haven’t said that in a long time about a film I’ve given five out of five stars to. I truly feel like going into it a second time, I’m going to take so much more away from it. Especially if you love film in general, you are going to take so much away from the creative process that went into this.
This is a five out of five. I don’t care. I think it’s the best film so far this year, maybe of years even. I haven’t felt this way since Oppenheimer about a film.
Get to the theater this weekend. Go see this damn film.
One Battle After Another is in theaters now.
