Skip to main content

One Battle After Another (2025)


One Battle After Another (2025) is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, who is no stranger to ambitious projects after films like Licorice Pizza and, one of the best films of all time, There Will Be Blood. His direction once again shows his knack for blending complex characters with striking visuals, though the film occasionally falters in how it handles some of its supporting roles.

Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio, known for The Wolf of Wall Street and Titanic, is nothing short of amazing. He completely commits to the role, bringing intensity and emotional depth that anchors the movie.

Oscar winner Sean Penn, best remembered for Mystic River and Milk, transforms himself into a truly awful villain. His presence is unsettling and effective, giving the story one of its strongest dramatic cores.

Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro, from Sicario and Traffic, plays the calm and collected Sensei with quiet authority. His controlled performance contrasts beautifully with the chaos around him.

Teyana Taylor, who has appeared in Straw and one of my favorite 2023 films A Thousand and One, is unfortunately sexualized early in the film and then tossed aside by the script, a disappointing use of her talent.

Newcomer Chase Infiniti, making one of their first major appearances, is mesmerizing and grounded. Her performance feels authentic and is one of the most exciting surprises of the film. 

I was worried going in the film would be too political as I didn't want to watch propaganda. While the film is great, it does strike some chords that will alienate half the audience. Expect an Oscar. Result: B+

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Christy (2025)

Christy (2025) is directed by David Michôd , known for The King and Animal Kingdom , and written by Mirrah Foulkes , who penned Judy & Punch . While both bring a grounded and deliberate tone to the film, there’s something missing in the pacing and camera. The direction is competent but occasionally flat, leaving certain moments feeling less impactful than they should. Still, the story holds strong thanks to the performances. Sydney Sweeney , known for Euphoria, Anyone But You,  and Madame Web , delivers one of her most mature and layered performances to date. She brings intensity, fragility, and conviction to the title role, proving she’s more than capable of carrying a serious dramatic film. Her emotional control and subtlety make the story believable, even when the writing wavers. Ben Foster , whose work in Hell or High Water and Pandorum  has always stood out, once again shows why he’s one of the most underrated actors working today. His character is despicable, ye...
Post a Comment
Read more

Frankenstein (2025)

Frankenstein (2025) is directed by Guillermo del Toro , the visionary filmmaker behind Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water . His style once again blends gothic beauty with emotional storytelling, and his long-awaited take on Frankenstein is everything you’d expect: tragic, poetic, and visually stunning. Del Toro’s passion for monsters and misunderstood souls shines through every frame, making this adaptation both faithful and deeply personal. Oscar Isaac , known for Ex Machina and Dune , gives a grounded and believable performance as the tormented Dr. Frankenstein. He captures the obsession and guilt of a man who has gone too far, balancing intellect with a quiet madness that feels earned rather than exaggerated. Mia Goth , who has proven herself in Pearl and Infinity Pool , continues her run as one of the most mesmerizing modern actors. Her ethereal presence fits perfectly within Del Toro’s world, and she brings depth and vulnerability to a role that could have easily been o...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is directed by Dean DeBlois , who also wrote and directed the original animated trilogy as well as Lilo & Stitch . His return to the property ensures a faithful live-action adaptation that honors the tone and emotional core of the original. Visually, the film captures the bond between humans and dragons, with the exception of some controversial choices in casting presentation. Mason Thames , best known for The Black Phone , gives his best performance yet as Hiccup. He brings a believable vulnerability and growth to the role, matching the spirit of the original character while adding more emotional nuance in live-action. Nico Parker plays Astrid and is strong in the role, though the decision to light and style her to resemble a white Viking, despite her mixed heritage, has sparked justified conversation. Despite that, Parker's acting is solid, and she handles the action and emotional beats well. You might remember her from Dumbo. Gerard Butle...
Post a Comment
Read more