He’s been one of my favourite directors over the past three decades with films including Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread.  Now, 55-year-old Paul Thomas Anderson chalks up a milestone with One Battle After Another marking his 10^th feature film.  He’s earned 11 Academy Award nominations across his career (without a win) and as director, writer and producer here, he’s likely to add to that tally early next year.

Drawing from a 1990 novel authored by the reclusive Thomas Pynchon, Anderson has crafted an hilarious misadventure reminiscent of a Coen Brothers movie.  The characters have distinctive quirks, the story is batshit crazy, and humour is spread throughout.  Leonardo DiCaprio’s offbeat performance triggers memories of Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski, the desolate setting has shades of No Country for Old Men, and a kooky subplot involving a secret society reminded me of Hail, Caesar!  This is all said in a complementary way given the Coens are also high on my list of favourite filmmakers.

It’s a tricky narrative to surmise quickly but One Battle After Another is centred on a paranoid, weed-smoking man (DiCaprio) who lives a low-key life under the alias Bob Ferguson.  He was once a “revolutionary” who tried to upend societal order but after a bank heist went wrong, Bob went into hiding.  He now resides in a sanctuary city with his 16-year-old daughter, Willa (Infiniti), who is on the cusp of graduating high school.

Their quiet existence is upended when a powerful, well-armed villain from Bob’s past, Colonel Steven Lockjaw (Penn), tracks them down seeks them out in search of revenge… and information.  Bob and Willa are separated in the ensuing chaos, but they attempt to reunite and find a safe hiding place.  They are aided by an eclectic group including a shrewd revolutionary played by Regina Hall (Support the Girls) and a chill karate instructor portrayed by Benecio del Toro (Traffic).

The 162-minute running time may sound intimidating but once we’re through the introduction, which is a touch slow and chaotic, One Battle After Another moves at a speedy pace thanks to the interesting subplots, dark humour, and rapid-fire editing.  The offbeat music score of Jonny Greenwood, reminiscent of Jon Brion’s work in Punch-Drunk Love, also adds to the film’s alure.

The performances are sensational.  The expansive cast, headlined by Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant) and Sean Penn (Milk), all tap into their comedic talents.  It’s a movie that will require multiple viewings to fully grasp its wit – from DiCaprio angrily trying to recall a password while on a phone call, through to del Toro nonchalantly orchestrating an evacuation of his residence.

Refusing to be pigeonholed into a particular style or genre (every film feels so different), Paul Thomas Anderson has once again showcased the breadth of his talents.  One Battle After Another is great entertainment!