An ex-revolutionary forced back into conflict when a long-buried enemy resurfaces.
Written by Paul Thomas Anderson and Thomas Pynchon. Anderson also directs, One Battle After Another blending crime, politics and personal stakes into an intriguing, constantly unfolding narrative. Delivering a gripping, character-driven action thriller.
Leonardo DiCaprio is memorable as Bob Ferguson with a mix of humour, exhaustion and resolve, supported by an excellent ensemble: Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Chase Infiniti. The cast gives the story weight, allowing Anderson's layered storytelling to unfold naturally rather than through exposition. Although Del Toro is excellent, he feels underutilised, while Penn gives one of his best performances today.
Anderson's direction is grounded, with a strong on-location feel that gives the film a realistic, lived-in texture. The music by Jonny Greenwood can be a little insistent at times, but it ultimately adds to the gritty crime-thriller atmosphere, reminiscent of 1970s hard boiled films reinforcing tension and momentum.
Overall, intriguing, well-paced and sharply performed, One Battle After Another succeeds through strong storytelling, assured direction and a great cast. It's immersive genre filmmaking - recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment