Leonardo DiCaprio stars in Paul Thomas Anderson’s tenth film One Battle After Another

Leonardo DiCaprio is known for playing deep, emotional roles in movies like The Revenant, Inception and Titanic and he has won an Academy Award and is famous for choosing bold, challenging characters.

In director Paul Thomas Anderson’s tenth film, One Battle After Another, the actor takes on the role of Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary turned father, fighting to protect his daughter and face his past.

A former revolutionary in hiding

Bob Ferguson used to be a revolutionary. He worked with a group called French 75, alongside Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor). Everything changed when Perfidia was arrested and disappeared. Bob was left alone with their baby daughter, Willa.

For many years, Bob lived in hiding. He uses drugs and alcohol sometimes. He tries to give Willa a normal life, even though danger from his past is always nearby.

A dangerous past return

After 16 years, Willa is now a teenager. Bob is a single father, still living undercover. The enemy from his past, Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), comes back into their lives.

Colonel wants to stop immigrants and is hunting the revolutionary group and Bob. To protect Willa, Bob seeks helps from old allies and others who still believe in him.

Action, emotion and style

The film blends many kinds of moments as some scenes are full of action raids, fights and escapes. Other are deeply emotional, showing Bob’s love, guilt and fear. There are even moments of humour, despite the serious story. The movie shifts between chaotic action and quiet tenderness. Music plays a big role in building tension and emotion.

Strong performances

Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerful performance and he shows Bob as both a former fighter and deeply caring, worn-out father. Chase Infiniti plays Willa with strength and Sean Penn is a menacing villain. Teyana Taylor brings heart to her role as Perfidia. Regina Hall and Benicio del Toro add strong support to the cast.

A long but captivating journey

The movie runs nearly three hours but many say it holds your attention. It looks beautiful with powerful visuals, a strong soundtrack and creative direction and at its heart, the film is about love, sacrifice and what it means to keep fighting for your family and for what you believe in.