I was looking forward to the new Paul Thomas Anderson movie One Battle After Another because he is a fascinating film maker. He did Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood. And this movie lives up to those. It is easily the best film I've seen all year. It is long, with more plot than the last four or five Marvel films combined. And it is violent; boy, is it violent. And it's also weird in a screwball sort of way. No one in the film seems normal. And the story, inspired by an old Thomas Pynchon novel, seems torn in some way from the headlines.

"Ghetto" Pat Calhoun (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor) are part of the French 75, a revolutionary group. They rescue illegals from a center, and along the way, Perfidia humiliates Col. Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), who becomes obsessed with her. He even releases her after he catches her in exchange for having an affair, despite her involvement with Pat; even having a baby, Charlene (Chase Infiniti). Perfidia then betrays her whole group, and Pat and the baby go into hiding as Bob and Willa. Perfidia goes to Mexico, although everyone thinks she is dead.

Sixteen years later, Bob and Willa live in a sanctuary city. Bob is burned out, but Willa is a revolutionary. Lockjaw arranges an attack, hunting for Willa, who he believes is his.

And then things get complicated, including the arrival on the scene of Sergio St. Carlos (Benicio del Toro), a sensei who works to help migrants. There's lots of betrayal on all sides, fighting, an incredible chase scene and plenty of surprises.

I left out much of the plot. But let me add that Anderson does not let it get in the way. The film never bogs down, despite the large number of action pieces. I felt like I was riding an out-of-control roller coaster. Of course, like any good film, it really is never out of control. However, it is very long, two hours and 42 minutes long. But it does go by quickly.

One of the best things about the film is that the director allows the actors to really let go. They all chew up the scenery, each creating a unique character. DiCaprio is a top actor and really fills up his character. At first with revolutionary fervor and later paranoia and weariness. And through it all, his love for his daughter. Chase Infiniti is fabulous as Willa. She is a revolutionary because of her mother and not willing to compromise until she starts to learn and grow, and we get the chance to watch that. A newcomer in a cast of top veterans, she holds her own. Taylor is excellent as the complex but self-centered Perfidia. A fitting name, since it means faithless betrayer.

Of course, Penn really gets a chance to push his character to extremes, because the character itself is extreme. I really like the name Lockjaw for him. An extremist all the way, who feels the rules just do not apply to him. And del Toro provides an element of charm as Sergio. To add to it all, the rest of the cast is top notch. That results in many small pleasures, since so many come across as real people.

With its focus on migrants and revolution, you might think this was all part of recent events. But the filming began in January 2024. Still, the subject does make the movie feel very up to the minute. But the real focus is on family and other relationships. Even crazy Lockjaw feels its pull. Surprisingly, the mother Perfidia does not. But the love between Pat/Bob and Charlene/Willa is at the center of the story.

This movie is not for everyone. As noted, it is very, very violent. And many of the characters are extreme. Add to all of that the length of the movie, and it might be better to get it at home where you can stop it for bathroom breaks and snacks.

But despite all of that, it is an exceptional film. And in a year where the small-scale horror movie Sinners has been the best, it really stands out. As of this moment, I would (assuming I actually could vote for it) be awarding Oscars to DiCaprio, del Toro, Infiniti, Anderson and the film. It is that good.