In 1990, Thomas Pynchon (Inherent Vice) published a novel titled, “Vineland.” Set in the 1980s during the War on Drugs, it follows the lives of a former hippie and his daughter encountering government agents, the disappearance of the girl’s missing mother, flashbacks of the hippie father’s past and the girl who learns her father was a former member of a radical group.
A Decade Later, Paul Thomas Anderson (one of my all-time favorite filmmakers) or PTA for short, worked extensively on a film adaptation of Vineland. Due to its complex structure, he delayed his pet project in favor of other projects including “Punch-Drunk Love” & “There Will Be Blood.” After he completed “Licorice Pizza,” PTA finally resumed back to developing his pet project as a loose adaptation set in modern times starring my number one favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio as the father and newcomer, Chase Infiniti as the daughter in “One Battle After Another.”
PTA’s tenth film earned critical acclaim from critics. However, it was a commercial flop. The upcoming 82nd Golden Globe Awards confirm One Battle After Another is nominated for nine awards including “Best Musical or Comedy.” Before the aforementioned awards ceremony airs/streams on CBS/Paramount Plus, I wanna share my thoughts on PTA’s latest film.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS whatsoever. I’m giving y’all a chance to see this gem.
Victory & Defeat Elements
Victory: Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti & Regina Hall all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Paul Thomas Anderson did a solid job directing. He also wrote script and co-produced the film.
Random Thoughts
- I didn’t see One Battle After Another in theaters. I’ve been watching a ton of TV shows and anime including “Shangri-La Frontier,” “Tulsa King,” “Demon Slayer” etc. I finally watched the film on HBO Max.
- I never read the book, Vineland. First time I heard about it was PTA making his next project. I listed his then upcoming film as one of my “Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2025.”
- I confess, I haven’t seen the film in theaters. I was dog sitting and watching horror films throughout October.
Fun Facts
- Remember that line, “Bitch, I felt like Tony Montana?” Teyana actually ad-libbed it. PTA admits he’s not a fan of “Scarface.”
- At one point, Bob says he’s Batman & Peter Parker. PTA’s a comic book fan. He dreams of making a Teen Titans movie. I wanna see him do Raven justice. She’s one of my all-time favorite superheroes.
- I think Lockjaw’s surname is named after the dog from Inhumans. Again, PTA likes comics.
- Tom Cruise is mentioned. PTA worked with him in “Magnolia.”
Funny Moments made me chuckle. One specific joke made me laugh hysterically. It’s a car scene with Sergio describing Bob’s predicament.
Radiohead guitarist, Jonny Greenwood orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography was shot in 35 mm using VistaVision. “Bugonia” was also shot with the same camera equipment.
Bob’s interactions with the people he’s associated with serves as the main highlight.
Pacing felt stable for a two-and-a-half epic. I was hooked since the beginning. Way better than Guillermo del Toro’s snorefest, “Frankenstein” on Netflix.
I was worried if Bob’s daughter, Willa acted like a spoiled rotten brat. Thank goodness she wasn’t annoying as heck. She’s a fleshed out character.
Tony Goldwyn (Tarzan) makes an appearance as a bad guy. He also appeared in “Oppenheimer.”
A Plot Twist’s revealed. I can’t tell ya. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Primary Themes are Identity, Legacy, Obsession, Secrecy & Family. Each one’s handled carefully.
Act Three is worth a payoff.
Defeat: if you’re on the right or left side of the political spectrum. Due to ICE raids and Charlie Kirk’s death, this is a very divisive film. I’m gonna be brutally honest and I may cause some controversy. Both left and right are two sides of the same coin. I believe this film flopped because of bad timing regarding the aforementioned past events. Personally, I’m letting this flaw slide. I’m neutral on the political spectrum. I don’t believe in left wing and right wing mumbo jumbo.
If you read Vineland before seeing the film, you may not like it. I’m letting this con slide. I’m giving PTA the benefit of the doubt.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
One Battle After Another is an excellent action-comedy epic. At first, I was afraid it would ruined my viewing experience due to ICE raids and Charlie Kirk’s tragic death, but thank goodness the film didn’t eff it up. Paul Thomas Anderson has made another masterpiece. Another movie of the year contender along with “F1” & Bugonia. Check out PTA’s tenth film on HBO Max. I wanna see him direct a Teen Titans film. Please let this become a reality.
As 2026 comes close, I’m watching a ton of 2025 films. See which ones deserve to be on my upcoming editorial, “Top 12 Films of 2025.” Plus, I’m working on another one. “Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2026.“
Nickthemoviecritic.com 