A very exciting actioner, the film One Battle After Another opens in theaters across the country. With a cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn the two actors create characters that will be remembered right up to the Oscars. Delving into today’s angst that includes riots and protests, the film creates chilling tableaus that hit home. That said, there’s also a deep seeded awakening that can get a bit scary for most everyone at times.
Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) has retired from his revolutionary past or so he thinks. His wife Deandra (Regina Hall) who had left him to carry on the “battle for freedom” however, has resurfaced. This time she’s right in the middle of the restoration of the vigilante group French 75 and they are hell bent on bringing the country down. Taking the lead for the government’s retaliation of the onslaught by the rebellion, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn) has been given full command of the situation and he’s possessed by the devil to do so. Ferguson’s now grown daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti) however, has become the target of Lockjaw as a pawn to take Bob down. When it all comes face to face it’s a blast cap to the explosive finish.
Director and co-writer Paul Thomas Anderson holds nothing back as he dives into the plot injecting a clear understanding of the situation and similarity to today’s upheaval. His target audience is wide from early teen to seniors that should fall into line as the story spools out on the big screen. Anderson puts his cast through incredible offensive and defensive carnage blasting most everything in their way. It’s a film that breathes much like Civil War, but with more intensity.
DiCaprio and Penn are at the top of their game with some scenes looking like they are totally immersed in the unreality of it all. What the uncontrollable Ferguson throws at the depraved Lockjaw, the insane colonel returns with even greater ferocity and unhinged depravity. The two actors actually look like they have morphed into their characters especially Penn who astonishes.
Bringing some levity to the film, Director Anderson inserts Benicio Del Toro into the role of Sensei Sergio who is the karate instructor for French 70. It’s a very good touch that keeps the film from going completely off the rails. As the scenes get over the top, his character is the only sane one urging Ferguson on to save his daughter and his wayward wife from mortal danger.
One Battle After Another has been rated R by the MPAA for pervasive language, violence, sexual content and drug use. And there’s plenty of it throughout the film so be aware it’s not for the immature and fearful. See the film on the biggest screen with the best sound you can find to get the full effect. For those fans that like total action throughout and an above average script rush to see the film it’s already in my Top 10 for 2025.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor
Directed and co-written by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, violence, sexual content and drug use
Running Time: 2 hrs. 41min.
Opening Date: September 26, 2025
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Released in: IMAX, Dolby, Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
