‘One Battle After Another’ shows freedom at risk

By Alfie Eville

If “One Battle After Another” was released ten years ago, it would have been nothing more than a twisted look into America’s possible future; a dystopian film, akin to “The Hunger Games,” with horrific imagery of a tyrannical America, where freedom is infringed upon at will, and safety is a fleeting feeling for many. Instead, the film is one of the most realistic, and frighteningly true takes on the America we live in today. The newest film from filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson is in a league of its own with it being his strongest theatrical release since “There Will Be Blood,”in 2007. Put simply, it is the best film of 2025. “One Battle After Another” is near cinematic perfection, with outstanding acting from Leonardo DiCaprio, spectacularly clever and poignant story writing that goes in tandem with its expertly crafted themes and messaging.   

The film follows Bob Ferguson, played by DiCaprio, a revolutionary in the fictional group called the “French 75” who are known for freeing captured immigrant families and spreading their messages to politicians and corporations. Ferguson transformed into a drunk 16 years after changing his identity and going into hiding, but was a doting father to daughter Willa, played by Chase Infiniti. However, through the actions of a corrupt and racist Sergeant Steven J. Lockjaw, played to perfection by Sean Penn, Ferguson must remember his old ways from the French 75 and rescue his daughter from being taken.   

On the surface, this film’s plot could be chalked up to a father-daughter espionage thriller similar to the 2008 film “Taken,” but this layered movie excels by creating an atmosphere through stellar cinematography, sound design and lighting. Anderson’s films are known for having quality camera work behind them. This film is no different, utilizing wide-angle lenses, steady tracking shots and filming the characters in extremes, whether it be uncomfortable close-ups, or spacious long shots giving focus to the surroundings. 

An already flawless script and story is elevated with perfect casting front to back. DiCaprio gives one of his best performances, reminiscent oddly enough of his acting in the 2013 film “The Wolf of Wall Street,” as he is able to balance such a unique and complicated character. Intersplicing bits of comedic relief with scenes of unflinching dramatic weight, the complexity of DiCaprio’s performance is highlighted, reminding the audience of his incredible abilities on the screen. In most movies, this would be enough to steal the show, but it is the epitome of a collaborative effort. 

Infiniti delivers an all-star performance as Willa Ferguson, and it was a shock to learn this was her first-ever role in a film. Benicio del Toro and Penn are perfectly cast in their roles as Sensei Sergio and the aforementioned Sergeant Steven J. Lockjaw respectively. Penn especially, is so captivating every time he is on screen, presenting himself as one of the vilest antagonists in recent cinematic history. His subplot is gripping and the way it unfolds amidst the larger story is brilliant. Lockjaw is utterly despicable in the best way possible. 

By no means is this a subtle film. You would have to close your eyes and cover your ears in order to not follow what Anderson is trying to say in this production. “One Battle After Another” is a movie about revolution in the United States being thwarted by a corrupt government and military, following the orders of a racist man who is a member of an underground white-supremacist organization. The parallels are so bold and direct that even without mentioning any political affiliations or real people it would be impossible to not catch what is going on. 

Considering the current and rampant cognitive dissonance, this film is too relevant to be subtle about anything. “Show do not tell” does not work when so much of America is too blind to see and understand. Anderson is grabbing every single audience member and telling, if not begging them to acknowledge and address the atrocities that plague America. 

The violent standoffs between protesters and police, the immigrant families escaping unlawful arrest and the overarching theme of freedom at risk exemplify the unrest and turmoil ever present in today’s society. Many of these scenes evoke similar emotions to past films like “Schindler’s List,” “The Pianist” and “Life is Beautiful,” which brought the horrifying reality of the Holocaust to the forefront of discourse on the savageries committed by Nazis many years after the fact. 

“One Battle After Another” acts as a cinematic “canary in the coal mine” for what is happening right here, right now, in America. Anderson has encapsulated everything wrong with America currently in 162 minutes. In doing so, he has made one of the best films, not only of this year, but of all time. Every single person should watch this film and every single American should watch it twice. This is a perfect five out of five stars. 

Alfie Eville is a freshman secondary education and history major