This unprecedented success makes it the highest-grossing film of Paul Thomas Anderson’s illustrious career, surpassing previous hits like There Will Be Blood and The Master. The film’s massive commercial appeal, combined with its strong critical reception, has positioned it as an early frontrunner for the upcoming awards season.
One Battle After Another centers on Bob Ferguson (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a man with a dark, revolutionary past who has long been living in hiding under the name “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun. When his adult daughter (Chase Infinity) is abducted by a powerful, shadowy nemesis (played by Sean Penn), Ferguson is forced to return to his old, chaotic ways.
Successful Reviews
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival to immediate buzz and was released in September 2025, has earned widespread critical praise for its tonal mastery. Critics lauded Anderson’s bold move into a more genre-driven narrative without sacrificing his signature visual style.
Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another (2025) / IMDb
Leonardo DiCaprio’s raw, paranoid, and emotionally volatile performance has been highlighted as the film’s anchor. The Hollywood Reporter praised his “masterful blend of emotional desperation and dark comedic timing,” placing him squarely in the lead for Best Actor consideration.
Remarkable Cast
(L-R) Benicio del Toro, Chase Infiniti, Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor and Sean Penn attend the “One Battle After Another” Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
The ensemble cast of One Battle After Another is a remarkable blend of Oscar-winning legends and critically acclaimed rising stars, carefully curated by Paul Thomas Anderson to bring a unique texture to the political thriller. Led by Leonardo DiCaprio and featuring powerhouse performances from two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn as the villainous Colonel Lockjaw, the cast also includes acclaimed dramatic actors like Benicio del Toro and Regina Hall. Crucially, the film showcases a new generation of talent, notably with singer and actress Teyana Taylor as Perfidia Beverly Hills, and the dynamic breakthrough performance of Chase Infiniti as DiCaprio’s daughter, Willa, cementing the film’s appeal across different audience segments.
