Film Review: One Battle After Another
2 min read
Snapshot Review: A truly out of this world cinematic experience! Paul Thomas Anderson conducts a symphony of razor sharp action sequences that come together to create a masterful political thriller. We begin with two resistance group revolutionaries: Bob Ferguson (Leonardo Di Caprio) and Perfidia Beverly Hills (a spectacular name for a character), played by Teyana Taylor. The film jumps into action with both characters attempting to free migrants from a detention center. During this rescue act we are introduced to the Colonel of the migration detention camp Steven J. Lockjaw, played by Sean Penn.
Anderson has this spectacular ability to create fascinatingly perverse figures, Steven J. Lockjaw is most definitely one of these. When Perfidia pulls a gun out at the detention centre, Lockjaw is clearly sexually aroused while being dragged out of his office. The film proceeds to show subsequent revolutionary acts mostly led by this duo. Lockjaw finally catches Perfidia planting a bomb in a government building. But instead of handing over to the authorities, they begin a mutually exploitative sexual relationship.
Bob and Perfidia’s revolutionary life falls apart when a baby is born and Perfidia gets arrested. The film’s main action essentially begins 16 years later when Lockjaw returns with a military squad to take out the daughter of this revolutionary couple. There are a number of other plot lines interwoven into this main narrative that intend to depict the true underbelly of society. These sub narratives give the film such a current edge due to the ongoing political violence and divide within the US while also being utterly captivating. Undoubtedly an immediate classic!
Release Date: 26/09/25
Genre: Action, Thriller
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benecio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor.
