I have a fraught relationship with the films of Paul Thomas Anderson. I am addicted to movies, and because I don’t wholly embrace the filmmakers’ rhythms it makes we wonder if I actually love cinema. Boogie Nights is a masterpiece, without question, and I mostly love There Will Be Blood. However, Anderson’s approach is often the opposite of soothing. He loves creative chaos, often accompanied by a score that heightens anxiety. It’s why my next favorites are Phantom Thread and Licorice Pizza, they downshift into relaxed rhythms. This is why I initially walked out of One Battle After Another with very mixed feelings.
In the days that followed, I listened to a lot of discussion over the film, and thought about how the aggression was more focused this time, and created the tone that works for this story. It’s a dazzling piece of cinema for long stretches, and comparing it to the other 2025 releases I have films I enjoy watching more, but none that I can say are better representations of the art and science of movies. I’m not looking or hoping for a better film to come along this year. I want to see PTA get all the accolades. My only debate now is whether I prefer the intense, mannered work by Sean Penn or the zen beauty of Benicio Del Toro.
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