Paul Thomas Anderson, the master of eccentric, deeply human storytelling, is back—and this time, he’s taking on revolution, regret, and redemption with a razor-sharp wit. One Battle After Another, his latest black comedy, is set to hit theaters on September 26, 2025, marking Anderson’s first-ever collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio. With a powerhouse ensemble and a narrative dripping in dark humor, this film is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing cinematic experiences.
A Revolution Reignited
At the heart of One Battle After Another is Bob Ferguson, played by DiCaprio, a washed-up revolutionary who traded his ideals for obscurity—until a ghost from his past forces him back into action. Sixteen years after walking away, Ferguson is pulled back into his old world when his daughter goes missing, and the enemies he once fought reappear from the shadows.
Described as equal parts biting satire and gripping drama, Anderson’s film blends the absurdity of old-school revolutionary fervor with a deeply personal journey. The recently released trailer teases DiCaprio’s Ferguson as a disheveled, frantic, but oddly charismatic figure, scrambling to rally his estranged comrades for one final battle—though whether it’s for a cause or just his own sanity remains unclear. Expect high-stakes confrontations, Anderson’s signature offbeat humor, and a whole lot of unexpected turns.
An All-Star Lineup
Anderson has assembled a dynamite cast, bringing together some of Hollywood’s most magnetic performers. Alongside DiCaprio, we’ve got:
- Sean Penn—likely bringing his trademark intensity
- Benicio del Toro—perfectly suited for the film’s mix of humor and grit
- Regina Hall—a sharp-witted presence in any genre
- Teyana Taylor—whose recent work proves she’s a star on the rise
- Chase Infiniti—a fresh talent set to make waves
This is a first-time pairing for DiCaprio and Anderson, a collaboration that cinephiles have been waiting for. Given both their reputations for choosing bold, unexpected projects, their synergy here could be electrifying.
Behind the Camera: Anderson’s Boldest Vision Yet
True to form, Anderson isn’t just delivering a film—he’s crafting an experience. Shot on 35mm with VistaVision cameras, One Battle After Another promises lush, cinematic visuals that capture both the grit and grandeur of its revolutionary tale. The film was shot across California and El Paso, Texas, grounding its wild narrative in sun-drenched Americana.
With a reported budget of $140 million and a runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes, this isn’t just another black comedy—it’s an epic. Whispers in the industry suggest that the film draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, though Anderson has kept tight-lipped about any direct connections. If true, this would mark another dive into Pynchon’s anarchic, countercultural world—territory Anderson knows well after Inherent Vice.
Why This Film Matters
One Battle After Another isn’t just about past revolutions—it’s about the ones we fight every day, within ourselves and the world around us. Anderson’s knack for balancing humor with melancholy, absurdity with poignancy, is sure to make this film as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
With DiCaprio stepping into a role unlike anything he’s done before and Anderson at the helm of what could be his most ambitious film yet, the stage is set for one of 2025’s defining cinematic events. Whether you’re drawn to its dark humor, razor-sharp social commentary, or sheer unpredictability, One Battle After Another is shaping up to be a must-watch for cinephiles and casual audiences alike.
Brace yourselves—Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest might just be his most thrilling ride yet.
