Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest epic, One Battle After Another, has officially premiered, and is already being hailed as one of the boldest films of 2025. With Leonardo DiCaprio leading the cast and Sean Penn portraying his ruthless rival, the film blends action, political drama, and family dynamics. Following its world premiere on September 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, critics have called it urgent, ambitious, and deeply emotional.
Beware of spoilers!
Plot Overview: A Former Revolutionary Pulled Back Into Action
At its core, One Battle After Another follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a once-famous revolutionary who has spent 16 years living in hiding. Now a father, he raises his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti) far away from the chaos of his past. His fragile peace ends when his old enemy, Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), resurfaces, reigniting a battle that forces Bob to confront his past and fight for his daughter’s future.
The story is both an intense rescue mission and a meditation on legacy, loyalty, and the price of political resistance.
Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson
- Sean Penn as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw
- Chase Infiniti as Willa Ferguson
- Benicio del Toro as Sergio St. Carlos
- Teyana Taylor as Perfidia Beverly Hills
- Regina Hall, Wood Harris, and Alana Haim in key supporting roles
Premiere Reactions
The September 8 premiere generated strong critical buzz:
- Standout Performances: DiCaprio anchors the film with emotional weight, Sean Penn’s villainous turn is menacing yet magnetic, and Chase Infiniti shines as a breakout star.
- Ambitious Direction: Paul Thomas Anderson’s ability to blend action with political commentary and dark comedy was widely praised.
- Mixed Notes: At 162 minutes, some critics felt the runtime made the film dense, with occasional tonal imbalance. Still, most agreed the ambition and relevance outweighed these flaws.
Themes
One Battle After Another resonates beyond its action sequences. Its themes of activism, political polarization, and unfinished struggles reflect real-world anxieties in 2025. Anderson balances these heavy topics with humor, absurdist touches, and moments of family intimacy, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Release Date and Runtime
- World Premiere: September 8, 2025 (Los Angeles)
- U.S. Theatrical Release: September 26, 2025
- Runtime: 162 minutes
- Budget: Estimated $130M – $175M
One Battle After Another is more than just another entry in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed filmography. It’s a political thriller, an emotional father-daughter story, and a cultural statement rolled into one. With stellar performances, daring direction, and themes that resonate with today’s audience, the film is already positioned as one of 2025’s most important releases.