‘One Battle After Another’ – Biting, bold, and beautiful

When a film is heralded as one of the best of the year, it’s easy to approach it with sceptical eyes. When that film comes from renowned director Paul Thomas Anderson, the scepticism fades a little. And when it’s led by acting powerhouses Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, you can’t help but feel downright optimistic.

One Battle After Another meets expectations with a fervent aggression. It features an ensemble cast with veterans and newcomers alike, with Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti matching the energy of their more seasoned co-stars. The story is epic and sprawling, and at the same time intimate, anchoring its dramatic saga in the relationship between a father and daughter.

The film opens in chaos. Freedom-fighters revel in the heyday of their rebellion as the French 75, a group with no clear mission beyond opposing fascist action. Their fervour leaves an impression that lingers in legend, but their lack of direction ultimately leads to their downfall. Their incompetence can be infuriating, especially as they interfere in matters of real consequence.

The film acknowledges this, with DiCaprio’s Bob repeatedly chastised for chasing thrills rather than showing genuine commitment to the cause. In sharp contrast, the introduction of a tightly run underground refugee network led by Benicio del Toro’s Sensei Sergio – easily the film’s most likeable character – highlights what true purpose and discipline look like.

The honour of least likeable goes, without a doubt, to Sean Penn’s Colonel Lockjaw, whose constipated gait and restrictive speech pattern shape a performance that is cartoonishly evil, yet strikingly familiar, as if you’ve encountered his ilk in real life and chosen to avoid it at all costs. Rounding out the incredible cast is Regina Hall, delivering a career-best turn.

The tone of the film is harrowing yet hilarious. One Battle After Another embraces the harshness of reality and its absurdity. The situations the characters get into are devastating, yet there’s humour to be found in how they cope. Credit is also due to the movie’s technical style with astounding use of lighting, and one scene near the end that stands out as a particularly inventive use of undulating pavement.

One Battle After Another is thrilling, saddening, and side-splitting. Each character is infinitely interesting, and its chaotic story lives up to its title, resulting in a near three-hour film that never bores. Instead, it moves at near-perfect pacing, unfolding its layers to reveal a ludicrous world that’s too close to home for comfort. It can be hard to watch, but if you don’t laugh, you’ll surely cry.

Rating: Big Screen Watch

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies

entertainment@gleanerjm.com