A Battle Twenty Years in the Making
It’s been two decades in the making — and it shows. Legendary filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson returns with One Battle After Another, a genre-blending action-thriller that’s equal parts emotionally raw and unapologetically absurd. The film storms into Philippine theaters and IMAX® screens this September 24.
Twisted, Timely, and Totally Unpredictable
Originally conceived 20 years ago, the script for One Battle After Another has morphed across different versions — but its core remains rock-solid.
Written, directed, and produced by Anderson, the story follows Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), a once-infamous revolutionary now living in paranoid isolation with his fiercely independent daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti). Their off-grid world is shattered when Bob’s old enemy (Sean Penn) reemerges after 16 years… and Willa vanishes without a trace.
What follows is a chaotic, heartfelt journey as Bob sets out to rescue his daughter, all while confronting the consequences of his own radical past.
A Cast That Packs a Punch
DiCaprio is joined by an eclectic, powerhouse ensemble that includes:
- Sean Penn as Bob’s vengeful nemesis
- Chase Infiniti, in a breakout role as Willa
- Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor rounding out a cast as unpredictable as the plot itself
Together, they inhabit a world that’s grimy, surreal, and bursting with energy — exactly the kind of chaotic sandbox Anderson knows how to shape.
The Serious Business of Being Funny
While it’s not technically a comedy, One Battle After Another isn’t afraid to lean into its stranger side. Humor in the film, as Anderson puts it, comes not from punchlines — but from truth.
“The things I think are funny are the things I think are funny, it’s kind of that simple. When you’re on set and you are collaborating with actors, if they are trying to be funny, it’s not going to be funny. Generally, humor can come out of sincerity, or a dedication to something.”
And he’s not alone in seeing the humor shine through. Legendary director Steven Spielberg, who recently hosted a Q&A with Anderson at the Directors Guild of America, had this to say:
“had a great time laughing all the way”
Building a World, Breaking the Rules
Murphy highlights Anderson’s bold approach to world-building — crafting an exaggerated yet oddly believable version of reality. Factions, foes, friends, and freaks appear throughout Bob and Willa’s journey, each adding new tension and flavor to the mix.
“Paul’s done some incredible world-building, introducing heightened versions of various factions that introduce a myriad of villains and foes and friends along the way. Through all that, it’s a really fun, action-packed thriller from start to finish, with a lot of laughs. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but at the end of the day is a truly emotional journey of this father and daughter.”
Coming Soon: Don’t Miss It on the Big Screen
One Battle After Another is a one-of-a-kind blend of dark comedy, action, and father-daughter drama. And it’s best experienced the way Anderson intended — loud, immersive, and on the biggest screen possible.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents
A Ghoulardi Film Company Production
A Paul Thomas Anderson Film
One Battle After Another only in cinemas and IMAX® nationwide starting September 24, 2025.
Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”
