Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, “One Battle After Another,” follows the story of Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ex-revolutionary trying to raise his 16-year-old daughter Willa in hiding after a series of events leaves him questioning his past and present. The movie is set in a present-day America that feels eerily similar to today, but its exact timeline is never clearly defined.
The film’s protagonist is at a loss, struggling to keep up with the world around him as he navigates his relationship with Willa, who seems to be growing up faster than he can adjust. As Bob tries to understand his daughter’s perspective on issues like immigration and social justice, he finds himself torn between his desire to protect her and his own nostalgia for struggles of the past.
Anderson’s screenplay is meticulously structured, moving at a frenetic pace that mirrors Pynchon’s novels. The film includes shootouts and car chases, but much of its action unfolds offscreen. The sound mix favors naturalism over clarity, allowing the audience to piece together the plot themselves rather than being spoon-fed information.
The movie explores contemporary themes like immigration crackdowns and white supremacy through subtle allusions rather than explicit statements. A shadowy group called the Christmas Adventurers Club is revealed to be a sinister force that uses propaganda and manipulation to spread its ideology.
One Battle After Another takes place in a fully realized world, but much of its depth remains hidden from view. Anderson has woven together elements of real-life history and Pynchon’s novel Vineland, creating a complex narrative that rewards close attention and speculation. As the film hurtles forward, it leaves some questions unanswered, inviting the audience to fill in the gaps and draw their own conclusions.
At its core, One Battle After Another is a story about generational struggle and the importance of passing down ideals and meaning from one generation to the next. Despite its complexities, the movie remains an action-packed epic that explores the human condition through the lens of politics and social justice.
Source: https://slate.com/culture/2025/09/one-battle-after-another-paul-thomas-anderson-movie.html