A Cinematic Knockout
Paul Thomas Anderson’s highly anticipated film, One Battle After Another, hits theaters Friday, September 26, and I can say with my full chest while standing on a big box of business that this is the best film of 2025.
From Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie is written, directed, and produced by PTA himself.
The powerhouse cast includes Academy Award and BAFTA winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro, alongside Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and breakout star Chase Infiniti.
The Story That Grabs You By The Collar
At the center of One Battle After Another is Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), a washed-up revolutionary who is living in a haze of paranoia, tucked away off the grid with his fiery and self-reliant daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti).
When Bob’s old nemesis, Lockjaw (Sean Penn), resurfaces after 16 years and Willa suddenly goes missing, Bob is forced to face his past.
What follows is a gritty battle for survival, redemption, and the harsh consequences of choices long buried.
A Rollercoaster Ride
From the rip, One Battle After Another drops you straight into the action and never lets up across its 2 hour and 50 minute runtime.
PTA really did his big one here.
The film is timely, brutally honest, and raw yet undeniably entertaining.
The woman sitting next to me was literally on the edge of her seat the entire time.
As for me? Completely locked in, captivated, and invested in every single character and moment.
The Cast Delivers Like The Avengers
The performances? BRAVO.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, and Chase Infiniti came together like the Avengers of cinema.
Leonardo always understands the assignment and shows up like a true valedictorian.
His performance was layered, magnetic, and everything you expect from him at this stage of his career.
On screen, Teyana Taylor commands your full attention.
She is an absolute natural and you simply cannot take your eyes off of her for obvious reasons.
I will always be one time for Regina Hall in a dramatic role.
She devoured this part and reminded us why her range deserves way more shine.
I did not think it was possible for me to love Benicio Del Toro more than I already do, but here we are.
His talent is so effortless that half the time I do not even believe he is acting.
And Chase Infiniti… whew. Baby girl solidified herself as one of the ones with this role.
It was absolutely impossible not to become fully invested in Willa’s journey. She is a breakout star, period.
And yet, Sean Penn stole the show.
From the moment Lockjaw appeared on screen until the credits rolled, he had the audience in a chokehold.
That man acted like his rent was due.
There were also a few casting surprises that had me grinning because some of my faves popped up in unexpected roles.
Cinematography That Deserves Its Own Credit
The cinematography deserves just as much applause as the cast.
Every shot felt intentional and immersive.
There is one POV car sequence that had me so deep in it I almost got motion sickness. That is how real it felt.
The way the camera moved, the transitions, the framing, it was not just beautiful, it was storytelling on its own.
The cinematography felt like another character.
Why PTA Nailed It
The magic of One Battle After Another is that Paul Thomas Anderson knew exactly what story he wanted to tell and executed it flawlessly.
The script was unflinching, sometimes uncomfortable, but always authentic.
This is a film that will be studied, talked about, and most importantly, remembered.
And honestly, The Academy better get ready because if this film does not sweep the Oscars, I will be side-eyeing them heavy.
Related: See ‘One Battle After Another’ Free – Enter To Win A Fandango Code!
Frens, do you plan to see the film when it arrives in theaters?
Never miss a scoop — sign up for IceCreamConvos.com’s free daily newsletter and stay in the know with the hottest celebrity news, jaw-dropping headlines, and stories everyone will be talking about.
Lock In With Ice Cream Convos:
