Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and inspired by Thomas Pynchon's 1990 novel *Vineland*, the film centers on Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former revolutionary living in hiding with his daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti). The story unfolds when Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), a white supremacist police officer and Bob's old nemesis, resurfaces after 16 years seeking revenge. Amidst the chaos Lockjaw unleashes, Willa disappears, prompting Bob to reunite with his former comrades.

The film has garnered critical acclaim, holding a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 147 reviews. Critics praise its nuanced exploration of political themes, blending dark humor and action with touching moments of paternal love. DiCaprio's performance is particularly highlighted for its balance of humor and emotion.

The *Hollywood Reporter* commends DiCaprio's portrayal of Bob Ferguson, noting the depth of emotion conveyed through his eyes and expressions. He effectively portrays a desperate father fighting to save his daughter amidst extremist conflict. The BBC describes DiCaprio as the "emotional heart" of the film, especially in scenes showcasing his vulnerability and struggle to overcome fear in a chaotic world. *Variety* praises the compelling role, noting DiCaprio's success in revealing the character's inner turmoil, highlighting societal divisions.

Across various film forums, fans consider DiCaprio a strong contender for next year's film awards, including the 2026 Oscars.

Leonardo DiCaprio in the film. Photo: *Warner Bros*.

Beyond DiCaprio's performance, critics also applaud Paul Thomas Anderson's direction. The filmmaker delves into character psychology while reflecting contemporary social issues. *Deep Focus Review* states, "With its epic scope and impressive cast, *One Battle After Another* feels both grand and personal, capturing the American landscape and the human cost of conflict."

According to *Film Stage*, Steven Spielberg praised the project for its insightful portrayal of social issues. "I had a wonderful time watching this film. Anderson guides the audience's emotions, allowing them moments of laughter for release, then immediately extinguishing that laughter, forcing them to confront the truth hidden beneath seemingly absurd situations," Spielberg said.

Leonardo DiCaprio, 51, is an American actor. With his charisma and impressive acting, DiCaprio quickly became a favorite of Hollywood directors and gained global fame after *Titanic* (1997). His films have earned over $7.2 billion at the box office. In 2016, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor after four previous nominations.

Paul Thomas Anderson, 55, is an American director who began filmmaking at a young age. According to *Esquire*, after only two days in New York University's film program, Anderson dropped out to work as a production assistant while making his short film *Cigarettes & Coffee* (1993). Anderson's films, known for their psychological drama, often feature desperate characters and dysfunctional families, portraying isolation through bold imagery and long takes. His debut feature, *Hard Eight* (1996), premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival. He then directed *Boogie Nights* (1997), which earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and *Magnolia* (1999). Anderson won the Best Director award at Cannes in 2002 for *Punch-Drunk Love*. His most recent film, *Licorice Pizza* (2021), received three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

Que Chi (*Hollywood Reporter*, *Variety*)