Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another"
A movie review by Dennis D. McDonald
Is this the best movie I saw in 2025?
Not really.
But it is packed with ideas and wonderful performances, it looks and sounds terrific, and parts are laugh out loud funny.
Despite its underpinnings of social and political cruelty, the energy of both its good and bad characters is immediately engaging.
We should be thankful we still live in a society where art can hold up a mirror to disturbing realities, such as this movie’s detailed portrayal of the use of the military to attack immigrant “strongholds.” This is something that just a few years ago would have been seen as pure fantasy but which we now see on an almost daily basis here in the US.
While I doubt this film will ever be shown at the White House East Wing’s movie theater (that’s a joke), its popularity and critical reception are deservedly high, despite its warts-and-all portrayal of American culture.
Recommended for anyone with an open mind.
Review copyright (c) 2025 by Dennis D. McDonald
