One Battle After Another: Power Dynamics, Family, and Pride
One Battle After Another masterfully blends the continuous fights of life, society, and internal conflicts.
We all face never-ending battles. As the film perfectly displays, “if it’s not one thing, it's another.” I went into One Battle After Another expecting a good crime thriller- something on the level of The Departed- and left out with so much more than I expected.
One Battle After Another manages to say so much without seeming overwhelming. In fact, I wanted more by the time the movie was over. This isn’t to say that it didn’t end well, but instead that I yearned for more of the story. If we do get a sequel, I will be the first person ready to buy a ticket.
Warner Bros. Pictures
How Was the Movie?
One Battle After Another is a new classic. The story is phenomenal, the acting is amazing, and the film leaves you thinking about so much after it’s over. On top of all of this, the scenery and cinematography is gorgeous.
I’ve been making an effort to go to movie theaters with laser projectors (shout out to AMC theaters) because I have recently realized how much more beautiful they display films, and how they also add to the overall viewing experience. I was completely enthralled while watching this movie, and felt very much as if I was in the world with them. The funny moments, the anxious moments, the fearful and intense moments; I felt all of it.
One Battle After Another is absolutely one of the top films of 2025 for many reasons. There are conversations to be had about this film that are relevant to present times, but there are also many timeless discussions that the movie evokes.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Best Parts About the Movie?
Social Commentary:
One Battle After Another has ALOT to say about ALOT. The core of the story is about a rebellion group that goes against the U.S. government, with a strong focus on immigration politics. But there's so much more here.
You have power dynamics at the forefront. Teyana Taylor absolutely kills her role as a key player in the rebellion. She is a force to be reckoned, and even the arch nemesis played by Sean Penn is completely infatuated by her. I have so many thoughts about her relationships with both Penn’s and DiCaprio’s character that I will dive into in another article.
The film also makes you think about what it means to be part of a family and a community. We see this on many different levels from Leonardo trying to protect his daughter, to the rebels working together, to a secret group of white men who work to maintain their supremacy.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Acting:
There are no lackluster actors in One Battle After Another. In fact, it’s amazing to see everyone hold their own against the most popular star of the film , Leonardo DiCaprio. Leo def does a great job as always, and I especially love seeing him in crash out character roles. He just always makes it seem so real to the point that I’m either laughing or becoming just as scared as he is.
Teyana Taylor is the MVP of the movie. From the moment she enters the screen, she demands your attention. Her character is bold and fearless and completely untamed
I’ve never seen Sean Penn like this before. He portrays a perfect embodiment of an insecure villain who tries to gain respect through fear, lies, and deception.
Chase Infiniti stands out incredibly amongst the veterans, and I just know we’ll be seeing her in more great films to come.
Blended Story:
As stated earlier, there's so much to take from the story and that’s the heart of it. The comedy can be vulgar at times, and simply hysterical at others. The action is enticing and full of tension. And in the middle of all of this, there are serious topics coming up to think about and sit on.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Is This Movie for You?
One Battle After Another feels like a movie that many movie lovers can enjoy, especially if you are into action thrillers. However, everyone isn’t comfortable with politics and there are various sensitive political topics that come up in here. Immigration is a huge part of the story, but there is also heavy commentary on racism, misogyny, and elitism. In all honesty, that's part of the beauty of it.
