Revolutionaries, Christmas Adventures and Bob: A Review of “One Battle After Another”

Written By Nathan Adolphe. Photos By Nathan Adolphe.

Have you ever wanted to see Leonardo DiCaprio thrown out of a moving car? Have you ever wanted to see Teyana Taylor shoot a machine gun while pregnant? Have you ever wanted to see half of Sean Penn’s face get blown off? Well, you’re in luck because all of that and more is in the movie “One Battle After Another.”

During SCAD Film Fest, I watched “One Battle After Another” for the second time after seeing it in a regular theater, and I would honestly say that my viewing experience at Film Fest was leagues ahead of my regular theater viewing. The sound system made it feel like I was in the movie, hearing every gunshot, every scream, every tire skid and every melody. The vast screen allowed me to see so much more detail compared to the standard screen size in a regular theater. I adore how everyone plays their part, nothing felt out of place, and everyone gives it their all to help this movie come to fruition. I want to get into my review, so be warned: minor spoilers ahead.

The movie follows a revolutionary group known as the French 75. Playing members of the group are Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, and Regina Hall. The antagonist of the film is Col. J. Lockjaw, played by Sean Penn, and I can honestly say he stole the show for me. His weird mannerisms that seem almost natural, his character’s obsession with his hair, and the large outbursts that his character has at the smallest things. Sean Penn’s ability to take something written on a page that seems almost impossible to act in person and put that on the screen is mind-boggling. The weird things he does with his mouth helped amplify his character’s unsettling nature for me and assisted me in seeing how much of a psychopath his character is. Another actor who got my attention whenever she was on screen was Teyana Taylor; her character, Perfida, is complex—she is a warrior, she is a mother, she is a coward and she is also very resourceful. She is flawed, and Teyana’s ability to show that while humanizing her character is, honestly, exceptional work.

Perfidia gets caught after a robbery gone wrong and has to rat on the rest of the French 75, causing them to get picked off one by one. Perfidia’s lover, Pat, has to go into hiding with their daughter after discovering that their lives are in danger. Pat, now going by the name Bob after spending 16 years in hiding, has to go on a journey after finding out that Col. J. Lockjaw is after him and his daughter, Willa. The rest of the movie is just Bob trying to find where Willa is, Bob going to where Willa is, Lockjaw capturing Willa and Bob and Willa Reuniting. The ending of the movie leaves the viewer knowing that Willa is going to follow in her parents’ footsteps and that Lockjaw got what was coming to him. The grand emotional journey that Bob and Willa face throughout the movie is one of the examples of the superb writing in this film.It shows how Bob is able to rebuild himself after being at his lowest, and it shows how Willa is not only independent but also how she takes after her parents with her ability to defend herself against the dangers she faces.

The cinematographer’s ability to paint shots that can be claustrophobic while also painting shots that are wide and expansive really helps illustrate the time and effort that was put into making this film. The movie has a wonderful score done by Jonny Greenwood; each track helps guide the audience’s ears through each scene. Anderson’s directing helps build tension in things that are as simple as two cars driving up and down hills, a DNA test, or trying to charge a cell phone. 

Throughout all the gunfights, car chases, and screaming and shouting that happen in this film, at its core, it is about a father doing everything in his power to reunite with his daughter, no matter what odds are stacked against him. I think the movie was excellent; it was nicely shot, the music complemented the cinematography and the actors did a marvelous job interpreting the script. I think the film has a great mixture of actors who help enhance each other’s performances while also keeping the film grounded. Unfortunately, you can’t see this movie in theaters anymore; however, it’s going to cometo streaming soon, and I’m biding my time to watch this movie again.

Actress Regina Hall was presented with the Gold Derby Spotlight Award for her performance and casting director Cassandra Kulukundis was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Casting Award. Both spoke at a Q&A about the movie after screening moderated by Gold Derby editor-in-chief Debra Birnbaum.