In theaters now “One Battle After Another” “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” (Kristin Wiig) writer. On TV this Saturday, October 4, NBC New ‘Saturday Night Live’
“One Battle After Another” rated R stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a weed druggy, robe-wearing revolutionary who dons a greasy topknot hairstyle. Quite a change from the expensive suit-wearing guy we know him from “The Wolf of Wall Street.” However, director Paul Thomas Anderson provides Leo with the freedom to totally immerse himself in his role. By the time you suddenly realize it, you find yourself rooting for the bad guys to win.
Leo adds an absolute charm to his character, Bob Ferguson, a man deeply in love with Perfidia Beverly Hills, a female revolutionary who risks her life for a better world. As the film flashes back to their love story, we see the depth of their connection and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other. Perfidia, played by the excellent Teyana Taylor, is amazing to watch. She’s caught between two men, one who wants to arrest her, Colonel Lockjaw (Sean Penn), and Leo. Her path is with the French 75 revolutionary team, which plans attacks at detention centers, carries out violent acts against government and financial institutions to fight what they see as a fascist, imperialist state. Their actions in the film include rescuing undocumented detainees from a detention facility at the U.S.-Mexico border and planting explosives in government buildings, courthouses, and the offices of politicians, destroying financial institutions and robbing banks to fund their operations, and carrying out attacks on the power grid. She also humiliates and assaults a military officer named Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), who later hunts she and her fighters down.
Sixteen years later, Willa (Chase Infiniti), Leo’s daughter, is shown in her karate class with her Sensei, Sergio St. Carlos (Benicio Del Toro). Sergio is told that Leo fell off the roof and got arrested, we quickly see that he has his own network to rescue him. Yes, it’s basically one crazy scene after another, although I enjoyed all of the characters, and the absolute absurdity of their situations. One of my favorites is when Leo needs to charge his cell phone!
I can’t praise the performances of Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Benicio Del Toro enough; they are all tremendous in their roles. Director Paul Thomas Anderson makes the most of their talents, and they certainly are giving it their all. I highly recommend the film, although I’d proceed with caution if you are squeamish regarding torture, as there is a scene that I found particularly difficult to watch—all in all, a crazy, fun movie with twists and turns that will keep you entertained.
Sarah Knight Adamson© September 29, 2025