TEHRAN – American director Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2025 action thriller film “One Battle After Another” was screened on Wednesday at Arasbaran Cultural Center in Tehran.
After the film screening, a review session was held with Iranian critic Amir Qaderi in attendance.
“One Battle after Another” is inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel “Vineland.” Anderson’s adaptation weaves his own story elements into the story, creating a complex tale of revolution, betrayal, and survival. The film features an impressive cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infinity.
Critics praised Anderson’s writing and directorial vision, highlighting the film’s thematic depth, breathtaking cinematography, sharp editing, convincing music, and strong performances from the cast.
The story begins with the formation of the French 75, a far-left revolutionary group led by Pat Calhoun and Paphidia Beverly Hills. They are engaged in daring operations such as escaping detained immigrants from the Otay Mesa Detention Center. During one such attack, Perfidia humiliated her commander, Stephen J. Lockjaw, sparking a dangerous obsession within him. As the French 75 launch attacks on government offices, banks, and infrastructure, Pat and Perfidia develop a romantic relationship amidst the chaos. However, their lives change completely when Lockjaw catches Perfidia planting a bomb. To secure her release, she agrees to his sexual demands and corrupt power relations are exposed.
Perfidia then gives birth to a daughter named Charlene, but chooses to continue her revolutionary activities rather than settle down. She is eventually captured during a bank robbery, and Lockjaw, now a high-ranking military officer, hunts down his comrades, many of whom are killed or forced into hiding. Perfidia goes into witness protection and flees to Mexico, while Pat and Charlene take on new identities in California as Bob and Willa Ferguson.
Sixteen years have passed and Bob has become a paranoid, drug-addicted recluse living in the sanctuary city of Bactan Cross, California. Willa, now a rebellious teenager, resents her father’s drug addiction and paranoia. Meanwhile, Lockjaw has been promoted to colonel within the US security services and becomes increasingly obsessed with Willa. He has also been involved with secret societies and far-right extremist groups, including the Christmas Adventurers Club, a secret organization of wealthy white supremacists.
Lockjaw’s obsession escalates his pursuit of Willa, hiring bounty hunters and secret society members. As tensions rise, Willa learns disturbing truths about her family, including her biological connection to Lockjaw. The climax depicts a violent confrontation, with Lockjaw being shot and killed by a rival, and Willa’s daring escape from militia captivity. Throughout the film, themes of political extremism, personal betrayal, and resilience are explored against a backdrop of explosive action sequences and stunning visuals.
“One Battle after Another” has already won numerous awards and nominations, including for its music, acting, and direction. Critics have praised Anderson’s bold storytelling, innovative cinematography, and compelling film portrayal of contemporary social issues. To the film’s credit, it cemented Anderson’s reputation for pushing creative boundaries and providing audiences with engaging, visually spectacular, and thought-provoking experiences.
SAB/