Paul Thomas Anderson’s highly anticipated film One Battle After Another is set to officially debut in theaters on September 26, yet the critical reception has already begun to surface.
The Warner Bros. Pictures production, which draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, depicts a reunion of ex-revolutionaries who come together to rescue a fellow’s daughter. This star-studded cast includes Oscar-winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro, alongside Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. The film premiered in Los Angeles on September 8.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that One Battle After Another carries a production budget exceeding $130 million, marking Anderson’s most expensive project to date. Despite facing scrutiny over the film’s budget within the context of Warner Bros.’ previous box office challenges, the studio has seen a resurgence, with seven consecutive films — including A Minecraft Movie and The Conjuring: Last Rites — opening to over $40 million in North America since April.
Warner Bros. is evidently confident in the film’s potential to sustain its box office success, as studio heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy indicated an intention to launch an awards campaign. The overwhelmingly positive response from critics thus far reinforces the wisdom of that decision.
Review aggregator sites reflect the critical acclaim, with One Battle After Another holding an impressive 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 66 reviews), a 96% rating on Metacritic, and an early 4.3/5 score on Letterboxd.
Here’s a look at what some of the leading critics are saying about the film:
In a laudatory review for THR, Richard Lawson touted One Battle After Another as “a bracingly timely film” set against the backdrop of a “dismayingly recognizable era of fascist creep.” He asserts that Anderson confronts the present climate with a noble purpose, underscoring that it is rare for an American film of this magnitude to bravely address such significant themes.
Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian awarded the film five stars, characterizing it as both a commentary on familial dysfunction and wider societal issues, highlighting its capability to blend seriousness with exuberance.
Meanwhile, Empire’s Alex Godfrey echoed similar sentiments, hailing it as an instant classic, praising its captivating sequences, particularly a tense car chase that heightens the sense of impending doom.
Alison Willmore from Vulture described the film as “top-tier Paul Thomas Anderson,” noting the electric blend of satire and action, particularly emphasizing a chase scene that resonates powerfully with viewers.
Caryn James from the BBC commended Anderson’s ability to balance drama and comedy, delivering an epic narrative that seamlessly transitions through various complexities.
Finally, Michael Calabro from IGN celebrated the film as a “masterpiece” that showcases astounding performances, particularly from Teyana Taylor, and hailed it as a monumental exploration of paternal devotion amid societal commentary.
Overall, the critical reception of One Battle After Another is overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing anticipation for its upcoming release.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.