“Fighting one after another” trailer
A trailer has been released for Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming action thriller “A Battle,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor.
Is it possible to appreciate politically charged films that, perhaps, clash with our personal beliefs? It’s a tricky question. I think many might need to reflect on this before watching Anderson’s new film, “Fighting after Fight.”
This movie draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” set in the Reagan era. Despite the outcome of the last presidential election, Warner Bros. was determined to release it. With Donald Trump back in office, “Next Battle” could very well feel like a timely rallying cry for resistance.
The plot centers around a group known as France’s 75, a faction that self-identifies as revolutionary (or, depending on your view, domestic terrorists). They’re actively trying to rescue illegal immigrants from detention centers and targeting lawmakers behind certain controversial policies.
Among the group are Bob (DiCaprio), a maker of explosives, and Puffdia (Taylor), whose conflicting loyalties as a mother and a revolutionary create tension. After a failed robbery, Puffdia is forced to leave for safety while only Bob remains with their child.
Fast forward sixteen years, and Bob, now living a more reclusive life, is hunted by Colonel Steven Lockjoe (Penn), a disturbingly flawed character overseeing a decrepit detention center. Bob has transformed from an ambitious fighter into a paranoid figure, struggling with a new life while raising his teenage daughter, Willa.
“One Battle Afferluse” represents a shift for both Anderson and DiCaprio. Known for his more serious works, Anderson dives into action crime here, while DiCaprio presents a more comical, laid-back character compared to his usual roles.
Penn’s role offers a surprising mix of humor and villainy, making Lockjoe, despite his extremist views, oddly relatable at times. Meanwhile, Taylor’s character displays a potent combination of sensuality and fierceness, blurring the lines of her maternal duties with loyalty to the cause.
Chase Infinity, who stars as Willa, stands out alongside DiCaprio. Sharing the screen with someone of his caliber is no small feat, yet she rises to the occasion impressively.
Also featured is Benicio Del Toro in a lighter role as Bob’s ally and Willa’s karate instructor, while Regina Hall provides a comedic foil, trying to protect Willa in a chaotic environment.
At a length of 161 minutes, this is one of Anderson’s longer films, but it doesn’t feel drawn out thanks to well-paced action sequences. PTA and cinematographer Michael Bauman capture the film’s unsettling moments, particularly in a high-speed car chase.
Composer Johnny Greenwood provides a dynamic score that effectively underlines the film’s momentum.
verdict:
The effectiveness of “A Battle” may hinge on your ability to appreciate art that challenges your views. If you can’t, you might want to skip it. However, Anderson’s venture into action is captivating, presenting a radical take on DiCaprio’s character.
★★★½-View it
“One Battle” is rated R for language, violence, sexual content, and drug use. Its running time is 2 hours and 41 minutes, with a theatrical release scheduled for September 26, 2025.
