MOVIE REVIEW | One Battle After Another – From the mind of Paul Thomas Anderson, the Academy Award–nominated, BAFTA-winning filmmaker behind There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, comes his latest cinematic swing—One Battle After Another.
With a powerhouse cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor, this Warner Bros. release arrives with high expectations.
Anderson’s latest effort feels like a throwback to the kind of movies Quentin Tarantino made famous: violent, strange, and endlessly unpredictable. It’s quirky, brash, and unafraid to take risks, all while layering its characters in ways that make you question their morality from scene to scene. You’ll find yourself rooting for them one moment, doubting them the next, and then rooting for them all over again.
The story takes plenty of sharp turns—packed with action, oddball humor, and emotional beats that sneak up on you.
By the end, don’t be surprised if you shed a tear or two. Like the best of Anderson’s work, the film lives in the gray area, where heroes and villains often switch places depending on the angle.
At two hours and thirty-plus minutes, it’s not short, but it rarely feels bloated. Anderson, working again with longtime collaborators including production designer Florencia Martin and composer Jonny Greenwood, crafts a film that is visually stunning, musically haunting, and rich with texture.
Make no mistake: One Battle After Another won’t be for everyone. Its violence, eccentric style, and refusal to provide easy answers will turn some viewers away. But for those willing to sit with its rhythms and ride its chaotic energy, the reward is immense—a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
Verdict: A bold, violent, and layered ride that demands patience but rewards deeply. One of Anderson’s most entertaining—and divisive—films yet.
One Battle After Another – 25 September, 2025.
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MOVIE REVIEW | One Battle After Another
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Rating
Aaron: 9 / 10 “A violent, layered, and unpredictable ride—Paul Thomas Anderson at his most thrilling.“
Zak: 8 / 10 “A bold, twist-filled knockout that keeps you guessing until the very end.”
Synopsis:
From Warner Bros. Pictures and Academy Award-nominated, BAFTA-winning filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson comes “One Battle After Another,” starring Academy Award and BAFTA winner Leonardo DiCaprio.
Oscar and BAFTA winners Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn also star alongside Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, as well as Wood Harris and Alana Haim.
Anderson directs from his own screenplay, and produces alongside Oscar and BAFTA nominees Adam Somner and Sara Murphy, with Will Weiske executive producing.
The creative team behind the camera includes several frequent collaborators, among them directors of photography Michael Bauman and Anderson; Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning production designer Florencia Martin; BAFTA-nominated editor Andy Jurgensen; Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; casting director Cassandra Kulukundis; and with music by Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Ghoulardi Film Company Production, A Paul Thomas Anderson Film, “One Battle After Another.” Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film will be in cinemas nationwide on September 25, 2025.
Cinema Experience:
Event Cinemas Innaloo remains a popular spot for catching the latest blockbusters, but experiences can vary depending on which cinema you’re in. The VMAX stands out with its spacious, comfortable seating, a massive screen, and impressive sound system that truly elevates the moviegoing experience.
However, not all sessions are created equal. The smaller cinemas feel noticeably less premium—tighter spaces, less impressive screens, and seating that, while far better than a decade ago, doesn’t quite match the recliners and generous legroom that have become the modern standard. For previews and smaller releases, it can feel underwhelming, especially without any extras like complimentary popcorn or drinks.
On the plus side, the complex itself is well-maintained, with friendly, attentive staff who keep things running smoothly. Parking is plentiful, and the location is boosted by a great bar and restaurant next door, perfect for dinner and a movie.
Verdict: Event Cinemas Innaloo delivers the goods, especially in VMAX, but the smaller cinemas feel dated compared to today’s luxury seating expectations.
