Cover ‘One Battle After Another’: Leonardo DiCaprio gives Liam Neeson a run for his money as ‘most intense cinema dad’ (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
‘One Battle After Another’: Leonardo DiCaprio gives Liam Neeson a run for his money as ‘most intense cinema dad’ (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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(Some spoilers ahead) ‘One Battle After Another’ asks: which battles are worth fighting—and which are destined to destroy us?
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Bob, an ex-revolutionary, once under the militant group French75. During his heyday, he partners with multi-generational activist Perfidia Beverly Hills, masterfully portrayed by Teyana Taylor. Together, they become an unstoppable revolutionary couple—liberating immigration detainees, robbing banks and wiping out electrical grids, wreaking righteous havoc wherever they go. Until one mission changes everything.
Enter Sean Penn as Captain Steven J Lockjaw: stern, a decorated career soldier with a discreet penchant for Black women. After an encounter with French75, he is captivated by Perfidia’s rage and presence. He then pursues—rather stalks—her into a sexual relationship. Soon after, she falls pregnant.
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Above Leonardo DiCaprio (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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Still a staunch rebel, Perfidia continues her missions all the way to childbirth. Bob, however, takes his role as father to heart. They reach a crossroads: which comes first—revolution or family? Struggling with post-partum depression, Perfidia becomes careless during a robbery and is apprehended. Bob takes their infant daughter and goes into hiding. The 75’ers scatter.
Perfidia faces life in federal prison. Would-be knight in shining armour, Captain Lockjaw swoops in with an offer she cannot refuse: name names, and she goes free. Perfidia chooses freedom; the 75’s are hunted down and killed. Lockjaw earns accolades for dismantling the rebel group, while Perfidia gains witness protection—a freedom that soon proves to be just another form of prison. She escapes to Mexico.
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Above Leonardo DiCaprio (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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Sixteen years later, Bob has regressed into a slacker-stoner single dad to the now independent Willa. Meanwhile, Lockjaw is up for membership in an elite white supremacist group called the Christmas Adventurers Club, but to be accepted, he must rid himself of any trace of his past “racially dubious” ties. He hunts down Willa. All hell breaks loose.
Bob seeks the help of Willa’s martial arts sensei, Sergio—played splendidly by Benicio Del Toro—who brings a cool and relaxed energy to the film. The third act builds into violence, chaos and pure adrenaline.
Battles on Screen, Battles Within
Anderson takes audiences on an emotional ride. Thrill, suspense, disgust, laughter—it’s all here in this action-packed film that never holds back its messaging. The question it poses is simple: what is the battle worth fighting to the death for? Whether for religion, ideology, freedom, family, status, money or tribes, everyone is at the frontline of their own war. Wars made by men, wars made by ideas.
As one of modern cinema’s distinctive auteurs, Anderson is known for blending sprawling narratives with intimate character studies. From Boogie Nights and Magnolia to There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, his films often explore ambition, obsession and the fragile human condition. One Battle After Another joins this roster, embodying the cinematic credo of ‘show, not tell’.
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Above Sean Penn character poster (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
Above Leonardo DiCaprio character poster (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
Sean Penn character poster (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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Above Teyana Taylor character poster (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
Above Chase Infiniti character poster (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
Teyana Taylor character poster (Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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Faces Behind the Frenzy
DiCaprio gives Liam Neeson (Taken) a run for his money as cinema’s most intense on-screen father. His performance carries the unique (and at times complicated) narrative of the movie. He remains magnetic and unexpectedly lovable, even as a deadbeat dad. A true standout in the cast is Chase Infiniti, who brings a layered portrayal of the young ingénue thrust into a world of violence and score-settling. Her performance feels nuanced and effortless, even against seasoned actors.
Above Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures
Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures
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When the Dust Settles
One Battle After Another is admittedly heavy-handed. With a runtime of just over three hours, it demands full focus. But it rewards the effort. Personally, I was glued to the screen the entire time, thanks to Anderson’s beautiful direction, the enthralling sound design and truly effortless performances. One scene to note is the closing sequence of rolling highways, serving as the perfect ending to the film’s equally dizzying storyline. Its cinematography and score are best experienced in IMAX and Atmos, fully immersing viewers in the clash of revolution versus tradition.
The movie may be polarising, yet it is anything but disposable. It refuses to sit quietly on a ‘watch later’ list. Demanding and unflinching, it brings a twisted lightness to heavy themes. And perhaps that is precisely the point: it is a film that dares you to choose your hill—and die on it. For in Anderson’s world, every stand is followed by one battle after another.
One Battle After Another opens only in cinemas Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Credits
Images: Warner Bros Pictures
A creative storyteller with a background in literature and culture, Dowee has been with Tatler since 2016 and now leads the brand’s digital voice—pursuing stories that highlight inspiring people, moments, and experiences. She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from De La Salle University and is pursuing her PhD in Philippine Literature and Society at the University of the Philippines. She is also a member of the writers group, Taftique, which hones young writers in the field of creative literature.
For story leads, collaborations, or inquiries, reach out via dowee@tatlerphilippines.com or info@tatlerphilippines.com.
