Overview

• The film begins its wide theatrical run on Sept. 26 with early preview shows, with Warner Bros. steering audiences to IMAX, 70mm and VistaVision presentations.
• Early reception is highly favorable, with coverage citing a roughly 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and strong notices for Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor and newcomer Chase Infiniti.
• Reviewers emphasize a present-day setting that tackles immigration detention, white supremacy and creeping authoritarianism without turning didactic.
• Shot in VistaVision with cinematographer Michael Bauman, the nearly three-hour feature is praised for large-scale craft, a much-discussed desert highway car chase and Jonny Greenwood’s propulsive score.
• Awards chatter is building even as some critics note tonal sprawl and a lengthy runtime, and a few industry voices question whether the sizable budget will be recouped.