‘One Battle After Another’ makes an explosive entry during opening weekend
Warner Bros. Studios continues its streak with Paul Thomas Anderson’s biggest film of his career with this action packed thriller
Paul Thomas Anderson enlisted some of the biggest movie stars in the world to tell a gripping story about revolution, equity, extremism, and social acceptance. Leonardo DiCaprio leads an ensemble cast that works together to free the less fortunate from government control, corruption, and injustice. One Battle After Another also stars Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Benicio del Toro, Teyana Taylor, and newcomer Chase Infiniti. While on the surface this film aims to spark difficult conversations about extremism and government-sanctioned terrorism, it also peels back the layers on love and how far you will go to protect it.
Can Love and Revolution Co-exist?
Pat (DiCaprio) and Perfidia (Taylor) lead an American revolutionary group known as “The French 75.” Their love to one another is as explosive and toxic as it is righteous and just—resulting in the birth of their daughter Willa (Infiniti) and going underground to protect her. What starts out as a film rooted in a group of self-proclaimed revolutionaries who simply want to save the world, one chaotic disruption at a time, quickly turns into a story about true sacrifice—sacrifice to the cause, sacrifice to your team, and sacrifice for your family. Throughout the 2 hours and 50 minutes, you will question who exactly is the protagonist, who is the antagonist, and does everyone exist in a space where both good and evil will always reside? Does “the cause,” on either side, justify acts of violence or are they an excuse to live out our darkest needs?
The Heart and Soul
Aside from the major themes of the film, it is quite clear that Chase Infiniti is the heart and soul of the story. Willa was created in love and chaos and lived a life of veiled normality while surrounded by the very structure in which she was conceived. However, as you watch her take on the sins of her parents, you cannot help but unanimously agree that Willa can do no wrong, ever. As a newcomer to the industry and One Battle After Another being her first Box Office film, Chase’s performance proves just why Leonardo stated “there was no one else.” Her ability to hold Willa’s circumstances close to the vest then deliver a micro-dosing performance of teen angst, anger, and rebellion shows just how formidable a performer she is.
One Battle After Another is in theaters everywhere Friday, September 26. Early release sales show a revenue of $3.1 million, with opening weekend projection predictions upwards to $20 million. While money does not necessarily equate to the quality of a film, One Battle After Another puts its money where its mouth is.
Check out the trailer below and head to your local theater now.