There are prestige gigs in the acting game, and being part of a Paul Thomas Anderson film must rate high on that list. His filmography is impressive, as is the list of amazing actors who have worked with him. His newest film, One Battle After Another, illustrates that he has lost none of his considerable powers and that he continues to set his sights on having a relevance to the world at large. 

The story that underlies One Battle After Another is the extreme actions that governments (and the clandestine groups behind them) will resort to to ensure that their vision for the world is the dominant one. The overview is of the firebrands that fuelled opposition to the status quo and were unafraid to use any means necessary to restore their version of a fair and equal society.

There are a few things to consider with the amazing performances by lead actors Sean Penn and Leonardo DiCaprio. You have to admire the moment when Penn read the script for his absolutely repugnant character, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw and thought, yeah, I’m in. DiCaprio as well for taking the risk with his lost stoner father figure, who eventually rises to the occasion. Their faith in PTA being absolute.

This perfectly paced thrill ride of a movie utilises two of the current best, DiCaprio and Penn, at a zenith moment of their careers. Paul Thomas Anderson has never been better, and his choice of subject matter has never been more relevant and needed as well. This is a work that comfortably resides amongst his other stand out works, yes, it’s that good.
Rob Hudson
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Oscar and BAFTA winners Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn also star alongside Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, as well as Wood Harris and Alana Haim.

Anderson directs from his own screenplay, and produces alongside Oscar and BAFTA nominees Adam Somner and Sara Murphy, with Will Weiske executive producing.

The creative team behind the camera includes several frequent collaborators, among them directors of photography Michael Bauman and Anderson; Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning production designer Florencia Martin; BAFTA-nominated editor Andy Jurgensen; Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; casting director Cassandra Kulukundis; and with music by Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Ghoulardi Film Company Production, A Paul Thomas Anderson Film, “One Battle After Another.” Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film will be in cinemas nationwide on September 25, 2025.
www.facebook.com/WarnerBrosAU/

Oscar and BAFTA winners Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn also star alongside Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, as well as Wood Harris and Alana Haim.

Anderson directs from his own screenplay, and produces alongside Oscar and BAFTA nominees Adam Somner and Sara Murphy, with Will Weiske executive producing.

The creative team behind the camera includes several frequent collaborators, among them directors of photography Michael Bauman and Anderson; Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning production designer Florencia Martin; BAFTA-nominated editor Andy Jurgensen; Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; casting director Cassandra Kulukundis; and with music by Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Ghoulardi Film Company Production, A Paul Thomas Anderson Film, “One Battle After Another.” Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film will be in cinemas nationwide on September 25, 2025.
www.facebook.com/WarnerBrosAU/

Experiencing life in Southern California in the seventies and actually visiting many Licorice Pizza record stores and also owning a waterbed, this film and Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood have been an interesting experience in nostalgia. While Q.T.’s take was more visual and grand, Anderson’s focus is more character-driven and less extravagant.

The inhabitants of this world are not superheroes (well maybe Bradley Cooper’s take on Jon Peters might qualify) but normal folk just trying to find their way in an ever-changing landscape. It’s particularly emotional watching Cooper Hoffman act as his father feels very present in almost all his actions. Alana Haim is also very effective as the gawky coming of age Alana.

Licorice Pizza feels like a very personal statement from Paul Thomas Anderson and as such fits nicely in the film universe he has created thus far with films like Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood. His art and action seem on the subtle side this time but the underlining truth feels universal. Ultimately it should become a valued addition to his oeuvre.
Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU/

Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film tracks the treacherous navigation of first love.

Licorice Pizza will be released in Australian Cinemas this Boxing Day!
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