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Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ Draws Strong Early Reviews for a Timely Dystopia

Early reviews praise a technically audacious, politically resonant turn from Paul Thomas Anderson.

Overview

  • Critics across major German outlets describe the film as gripping, sharply of-the-moment, and a likely awards contender.
  • The near-future story follows a militant collective called French 75 challenging an authoritarian U.S., with an early detention-camp rescue setting the stakes before a long time jump to a fugitive father–daughter saga.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor lead the cast, with newcomer Chase Infiniti and Benicio del Toro highlighted in supporting roles.
  • Reviewers emphasize large-format craftsmanship, noting VistaVision/35 mm photography, retro stylistic cues, and contributions from cinematographer Michael Baumann and composer Jonny Greenwood.
  • Coverage stresses that the movie was completed before the recent inauguration yet feels strikingly current in its portrayal of domestic militarization and immigration crackdowns.