Leonardo DiCaprio has once again proven why he is considered one of Hollywood’s finest actors. His latest film One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is receiving extraordinary reviews worldwide and is being hailed as one of the most acclaimed films of 2025.
Early reactions from critics highlight DiCaprio’s gripping performance, Anderson’s bold storytelling, and the film’s unique mix of action, drama, and social commentary.
Critical Reception
The film has received widespread acclaim across review platforms:
- Rotten Tomatoes: Above 95% approval rating from critics.
- Metacritic: High 90s score, putting it among the year’s top-rated films.
- Letterboxd: Strong audience buzz with ratings averaging above 4/5.
Respected outlets including The Guardian, Forbes, and Variety have praised the film, with The Guardian calling it “thrillingly helter-skelter” and Forbes describing the scores as “stunning.”
Story and Cast
One Battle After Another follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former revolutionary who lives off-grid with his daughter Willa (played by newcomer Chase Infiniti). When an old enemy resurfaces and threatens his family, Bob must confront his past and join forces with former allies.
The star-studded cast includes Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor, each of whom has been praised for their powerful performances. Critics particularly note DiCaprio’s portrayal of Bob as one of his most layered performances to date.
Behind the Scenes
The movie is inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland and marks Paul Thomas Anderson’s first large-scale, big-budget film, with Warner Bros. backing.
Production Highlights:
- Director/Writer/Producer: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Cinematography: Michael Bauman
- Music: Jonny Greenwood
- Runtime: Over 160 minutes
- Formats: IMAX and 70mm screenings for maximum cinematic experience
Themes and Impact
Critics have praised the film’s ability to mix political themes — including social justice, immigration, and generational conflict — with an emotional father-daughter story. The balance of spectacle and substance has made it a standout in Anderson’s career.
Release and Awards Buzz
The film premiered in Los Angeles on September 8, 2025, and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in the U.S. on September 26, 2025. International rollouts begin earlier in select markets from September 24.
Given its near-universal acclaim, One Battle After Another is already being mentioned as a strong contender for the upcoming awards season, especially for Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson).
Conclusion
One Battle After Another is shaping up to be a landmark release of 2025. With glowing reviews, a stellar cast, and Anderson’s visionary direction, the film proves that ambitious, auteur-driven cinema can still thrive within the modern studio system.
Audiences will soon get to decide for themselves when the film hits theaters worldwide later this month — and based on early reactions, it’s one they won’t want to miss.
