Paul Thomas Anderson returns with One Battle After Another, a wild mix of comedy, crime and action. Leonardo DiCaprio leads an all-star cast in a story where family, paranoia and politics collide.
Film details
- Premiere date: 25 September 2025
- Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Runtime: 161–170 minutes (depending on version)
- Language & subtitles: English with Dutch subtitles
- Age rating: 16+
- Showing at: Cinerama, KINO, LantarenVenster
What’s the vibe?
Expect PTA at full throttle: sprawling characters, biting humour, bursts of violence and a satirical edge. It’s both an intimate father–daughter drama and a politically charged rollercoaster, with echoes of his earlier masterpieces but on an even grander scale.
Trailer
Check out the trailer below.
Why you might like it
- For the eyes: Gritty desert hideouts, explosive set-pieces and Anderson’s trademark visual flair.
- For the heart: A raw and often tender portrait of a strained father–daughter bond.
- For the mind: Raises sharp questions about ideology, legacy and the cost of rebellion.
Critical reception
Though official reviews are still under wraps, festival audiences describe it as “PTA unleashed.” Early reactions praise DiCaprio’s intensity and Sean Penn’s commanding presence, while the ensemble cast adds depth and unpredictability. Critics note that, like Magnolia or There Will Be Blood, this film balances chaos with a surprisingly emotional core.
Scene to watch for
A tense confrontation between Bob (DiCaprio) and his old nemesis (Penn), where the line between paranoia and reality dissolves.
Recommended pairing
Pair this with a long evening of debates among friends — politics, ideals and a glass of red wine are the perfect extension of the film’s energy.
Need-to-knows
This marks Anderson’s return after Licorice Pizza, with a script he also wrote and produced. The runtime is notably long, ranging from 161 to 170 minutes depending on the cut shown, so plan your cinema snacks accordingly.