“One Battle After Another” Trailer
The trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson’s action thriller, “One Battle After Another,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor, has been released by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent film, “One Battle After Another,” has stirred up criticism, notably from author Bret Easton Ellis, who pointed out that the film’s timing is questionable, especially with its emphasis on the rising leftist violence and political upheaval.
Ellis remarked, “It’s surprising to see so much praise when the political ideology isn’t exactly top-notch. I mean, it’s not a great movie,” expressing his views on his podcast. He questioned why the film was being hailed as a masterpiece, suggesting it aligns too closely with leftist sentiments.
The American Psycho author characterized the film as potentially becoming “a rather dusty artifact of the post-Kamala Harris era,” indicating it may soon feel outdated. He added, “It’s got a certain liberal vibe that already feels pretty outdated in October 2025.”
Ellis also dismissed the notion from a critic claiming that “One Battle After Another” was an “important film,” arguing that the filmmakers seemed disconnected from the current political environment in the U.S.
“No understanding of the atmosphere here,” he stated bluntly.
Loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” the plot revolves around a group of self-proclaimed revolutionaries called the French 75. They engage in acts like driving illegal immigrants from detention centers and targeting courthouses and Congress offices, particularly those advocating for abortion restrictions.
Sean Penn appears alongside DiCaprio, portraying Army Colonel Stephen Lockjaw. His character aspires to join a secretive white supremacist group known as the Christmas Adventurers, which influences politics significantly and focuses on tracking the French 75.
David Marcus from Fox News criticized the film, branding it an “ill-timed apology for leftist violence,” comparing it to a film where viewers support a sympathetic version of Nazis during World War II. He noted that the film lacks nuance regarding the grim realities associated with political upheaval.
In an opinion piece, Marcus said, “It’s strange how there’s no discussion around the glorification of violence, including the killing of innocents, to dismantle this strange and paranoid American government that Anderson presents.”
Some conservative media outlets, like the National Review, have also raised alarms about the film, suggesting it glorifies political assassination and warns that it could lead to further violence. They mentioned, “It’s unsettling that ‘One Battle After Another’ appears soon after the assassination of nonviolent conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.” They believe Anderson’s film romanticizes the turbulent history of political unrest.
Despite the considerable criticism surrounding its themes, “One Battle After Another” has proven exceptionally popular, raking in over $100 million globally since its debut in September, and holds the title of the highest-rated film of 2025 on Metacritic.
