Paul Thomas Anderson's $130M 'One Battle After Another' Premieres as Bold Political Thriller

Paul Thomas Anderson's film "One Battle After Another" has garnered significant attention for its audacious political thriller narrative and a hefty $130 million budget, the largest of his career. The movie, adapted from Thomas Pynchon's "Vineland," features a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro, and explores themes of revolutionary activism, family dynamics, and societal critique through a darkly comedic and surreal lens. The story follows Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary now living in paranoia with his daughter Willa, as they confront the resurfacing of a longtime nemesis, Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw. Critics note the film's blend of deep political commentary with moments of absurdity, and its reflection on American societal classes and personal relationships. Despite some narrative complexity and pacing issues, Anderson's work is seen as a significant and personal statement, challenging conventional political and cinematic norms. The film stands alongside contemporary classics as an urgent and innovative contribution to the modern Western canon.