One Battle after another (2025) by Paul Thomas Anderson

“One Battle after another” is a 2025 American crime drama thriller directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film follows a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite after 16 years when their formidable enemy resurfaces, threatening the daughter of one of their own.

The story centers around a clandestine group of former revolutionaries who seemingly disbanded after a period of intense activism. However, their past comes back to haunt them when a powerful and malevolent adversary from their revolutionary days emerges from the shadows after sixteen years of silence. This resurgence puts the daughter of one of the former revolutionaries in grave danger, forcing the estranged group to come together once more. Despite the years that have passed and the different paths they have taken, they must band together to confront their old enemy and rescue the daughter of their comrade. The film is expected to be a thrilling and dramatic chase, infused with comedic elements despite its dark premise.

Paul Thomas Anderson is known for his psychological dramas featuring desperate characters and exploring themes of dysfunctional families, alienation, loneliness, and redemption, often employing a bold visual style with moving camera shots and long takes. While the specific vision for “One Battle after another” isn’t fully detailed yet, the premise of reuniting revolutionaries after a long period suggests a potential exploration of how time and circumstance change individuals and their ideologies. Given Anderson’s filmography, it’s likely the film will delve into the characters’ inner conflicts and their motivations for returning to a life they seemingly left behind, all while maintaining his distinct visual flair, potentially with a more mainstream and action-oriented approach this time.

• Reunion and Reconciliation: The core of the story involves a group coming back together after a long separation, potentially exploring themes of rekindled bonds and past conflicts resurfacing.

• Past vs. Present: The resurfacing of an old enemy after 16 years suggests a confrontation with the characters’ past lives and the impact those experiences have on their present.

• Redemption and Sacrifice: The revolutionaries are reuniting to rescue someone, hinting at themes of redemption and the sacrifices they might need to make.

• The Persistence of Ideology: Despite the passage of time, the return of their enemy implies that the core conflicts of their revolutionary past remain unresolved.

• Family and Loyalty: The threat to a comrade’s daughter underscores themes of family and loyalty within this unconventional group.

• Direction by Acclaimed Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson: Anderson has a reputation for creating compelling and visually stunning films.

• Star-Studded Cast: The film features Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor, promising powerful performances and drawing a wide audience.

• Intriguing and Unique Premise: The combination of ex-revolutionaries, a resurfaced enemy, and a rescue mission offers a compelling and potentially action-packed narrative.

• Blend of Genres: The description as a 3-hour chase movie with dark themes but comedic elements suggests a unique and potentially engaging genre blend.

• Rumored Adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland”: If the rumors of being based on Pynchon’s novel are true, it could bring a complex and layered narrative.

Sixteen years after disbanding, a group of ex-revolutionaries must reunite to rescue a comrade’s daughter when a dangerous enemy from their past re-emerges in this crime drama thriller directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Awards and Nominations: 2 wins & 1 nominations

While the official release is in late 2025, “One Battle after another” has already received recognition:

Given Paul Thomas Anderson’s reputation and the film’s cast, it is highly anticipated to be a contender for major awards in the 2025-2026 season.

Initial critical reception from test screenings suggests the film is being well-received. Sources at World of Reel describe it as Paul Thomas Anderson’s “most commercial” film to date and note a “great car chase scene.” Sean Penn’s villain is characterized as “wild, and darkly funny.” Another report from World of Reel indicates that the film is Anderson’s mainstream take on Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” featuring “big elaborate action set-piece after another” and is considered a “huge crowd-pleaser” with “lots of stunts and car chases.”

Based on early reactions and test screen reports:

• World of Reel: Mentions the film is “quite batshit crazy” and unlike Anderson’s previous Pynchon adaptation, “Inherent Vice.” It’s noted for its “big action comedy” feel, drawing comparisons to Jonathan Demme’s 1988 film “Something Wild.”

• The Film Stage: Reports that the film expertly weaves together its multiple tones, including thrills, humor, and emotion, creating an immersive experience.

• Reddit (r/oscarrace): Corroborates the “big action comedy” description, suggesting it’s a 3-hour epic in the vein of “Something Wild” but on a larger scale. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance is praised, but Sean Penn’s portrayal of the villain Lockjaw is highlighted as a potential standout that will be “nightmarish.”

It’s important to remember that these are initial reactions and test screen reports. More comprehensive reviews will be available closer to the film’s official release in September 2025.

As the film is slated for release on September 26, 2025, box office information is not yet available. However, Warner Bros. reportedly believes the film could gross $180 million domestically, indicating high expectations for its commercial performance, especially with Leonardo DiCaprio as the lead.

“One Battle after another” is an American production. The film has a reported budget of $140 million. Principal photography reportedly took place in Eureka, California.

Information regarding specific sales companies involved in “One Battle after another” was not explicitly available in the search results. As a major studio production, distribution and sales are likely handled internally by Warner Bros. Pictures (Country: USA), which is a major American film studio responsible for both the distribution and likely sales of the film.

• Theatrical Release: The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 26, 2025. International release dates also start around September 24-25, 2025.

• Release Date on Streaming: Information regarding the specific streaming release date is not yet available. Typically, major studio films become available on streaming platforms a few months after their theatrical release. It is likely to appear on Max (formerly HBO Max), given Warner Bros.’ distribution.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Directed by Acclaimed Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, known for his distinctive and high-quality films.

• Features a Stellar Ensemble Cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro, promising powerful performances.

• Intriguing and Unique Premise that blends elements of thriller, drama, and action with a touch of comedy.

• Early Buzz Suggests an Engaging and Potentially Award-Worthy Film, with comparisons to the energetic and darkly humorous “Something Wild.”

• For Those Who Enjoy Ambitious and Original Studio Films that offer more than typical blockbuster fare.

• Fans of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Work will likely be eager to see his take on this high-profile project.

• Enjoy High-Quality Ensemble Casts and the dynamic interplay between renowned actors.

• Looking for a Thrilling and Engaging Story that promises a blend of action, suspense, and humor.

• Appreciate Films That Blend Genres in unexpected and creative ways.

• Interested in Potentially Award-Winning Cinema and being part of the cultural conversation surrounding a major release.

What Movie Trend film is following:

• Nostalgic Reunion Thrillers: The premise of former operatives or a group with a shared past reuniting for a dangerous mission is a recurring trend in thrillers, often appealing to audiences who enjoy seeing familiar faces in new, high-stakes situations.

• Director-Driven Studio Films: Paul Thomas Anderson is an auteur filmmaker working within the studio system, fitting a trend of established directors bringing their unique vision to larger-scale productions, often resulting in films that balance artistic merit with commercial appeal.

What Big Social Trend is following:

• Revisiting Past Ideologies and Conflicts: The film’s premise of ex-revolutionaries might tap into a broader social interest in re-examining past political movements and their lasting impact on individuals and society.

• Themes of Legacy and Responsibility: The characters confronting their past actions and taking responsibility for the present reflects ongoing social conversations about accountability and the long-term consequences of one’s choices.

“One Battle after another” is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated films of 2025, largely due to the involvement of Paul Thomas Anderson and its impressive cast. The intriguing premise of reunited revolutionaries facing a threat from their past, combined with the reported blend of thriller, drama, and comedy, suggests a unique and potentially masterful cinematic experience. With high expectations for both critical and commercial success, this is a film that cinephiles will likely not want to miss.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Combine Strong Character Development with Thrilling Plots: Paul Thomas Anderson is known for his complex characters. Pairing this with a compelling thriller plot can create a highly engaging film that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.

• Utilize Ensemble Casts Effectively: This film boasts a stellar cast. Showcasing the talents of each actor and creating dynamic interactions between them can elevate the storytelling and create memorable cinematic moments.

• Experiment with Genre Blending: The reported mix of genres could offer a fresh and unexpected approach to a familiar premise. Don’t be afraid to combine tones and styles to create a unique viewing experience.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Established Auteur Filmmakers: Providing resources for directors like Paul Thomas Anderson allows for the creation of high-quality, original cinema that can garner both critical acclaim and commercial success.

• Invest in Projects with Strong Ensemble Casts: Films with renowned actors often attract significant audience interest and can be key drivers for box office performance.

• Continue to Greenlight Films with Unique and Intriguing Concepts: “One Battle after another” offers a fresh take on the thriller genre, demonstrating the potential for innovative storytelling within established frameworks. Encourage projects that take risks and offer something new to audiences.