Paul Thomas Anderson directed this 2025 black comedy action-thriller, inspired by Thomas Pynchon's novel *Vineland*, about an ex-revolutionary forced back into his combative lifestyle. What is this film called?

The film in question, a 2025 black comedy action-thriller, is indeed titled One Battle After Another (Review). This highly anticipated movie was directed, written, and produced by the acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson. It draws its inspiration from Thomas Pynchon's 1990 novel *Vineland*, a source Anderson had reportedly been interested in adapting for many years.

One Battle After Another delves into the story of an ex-revolutionary, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who finds himself pulled back into his former combative life. The film features an ensemble cast, including Sean Penn as the antagonist, Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, and explores themes of a contemporary American police state, offering a modern take on Pynchon's original work. This marks Anderson's second venture into adapting Pynchon's complex narratives, following his 2014 film *Inherent Vice*.

The production of One Battle After Another was a significant undertaking for Anderson, reportedly his most expensive film to date. Principal photography took place in California in early 2024, utilizing the vintage VistaVision format. The film premiered in September 2025, showcasing Anderson's distinctive directorial style applied to a politically charged and action-packed narrative.