Overview

• The thriller, written, directed and produced by Paul Thomas Anderson, opens in French cinemas on September 24 with Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro leading the cast.
• Reviewers describe a story centered on radical activists and a father–daughter bond that spans a 16-year jump, with an opening set around the Otay Mesa immigrant detention center.
• Critics emphasize a pointed critique of contemporary U.S. politics, including Trump-era nationalism, white supremacy, militarism and immigration policy.
• Anderson’s craft draws notice for 35 mm VistaVision cinematography and a propulsive score by longtime collaborator Jonny Greenwood.
• Industry coverage notes Warner Bros. as distributor and reports an estimated budget between $130 million and $170 million, while French outlets predict multiple Oscar nominations.