Introduction to the Controversy
‘American Psycho’ author Bret Easton Ellis has shared his thoughts on Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, ‘One Battle After Another,’ which has received widespread critical acclaim and is currently the highest-rated film of 2025 on Metacritic with 95 points. Despite being a fan of Anderson’s work, Ellis believes that the film’s political ideology is the primary reason for its positive reception.
Criticizing the Critical Response
Ellis expressed his surprise at the awards and praise the film has received, stating, "It’s kind of shocking to see awards like this for – I’m sorry, it’s not a very good movie – because of its political ideology, and it’s so obvious that they’re reacting to that." He made these comments on "The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast," where he discussed the critical reaction to Anderson’s film. Ellis thinks that the film is considered a masterpiece solely because it resonates with left-wing sensibilities.
Predicting the Film’s Legacy
Ellis predicts that ‘One Battle After Another’ will soon be seen as "a kind of musty relic of the post-Kamala Harris era – the thing that everyone gathers around and acts like it’s so fantastic and so great when it really isn’t, just to make a point." He believes that the film already feels dated and fails to accurately represent what’s happening in America. Ellis thinks that the film’s director, Paul Thomas Anderson, has only managed to appeal to a small segment of the population.
Responding to Critics
When a film critic described ‘One Battle After Another’ as an "important" film, Ellis disagreed, saying, "No, that’s not the case. He really hasn’t read the room. He hasn’t read the room at all about what’s going on in America." This response highlights Ellis’s belief that the film’s themes and messages are not resonating with the broader American audience.
The Film’s Plot and Cast
‘One Battle After Another’ is loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel "Vineland" and tells the story of a down-and-out revolutionary, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who is forced to come out of hiding when an old enemy becomes interested in locating his daughter, played by breakout newcomer Chase Infiniti. The film features a star-studded cast, including Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor. The cast, along with the director and lead actors, are expected to receive Oscar nominations due to the film’s positive reviews.
Critical Reception
Film critic Owen Gleiberman has praised the film, calling it a "mesmerizing vision of a police state America." He wrote, "’One Battle After Another’ is a film that captures the urgent urgency of the present; it raises goosebumps that is also a wake-up call… While it speaks with a grand vision of the danger and fear of our moment, it is also a drama that is utterly down-to-earth and relatable." Gleiberman’s review highlights the film’s ability to balance its grand themes with a relatable, human story.
Box Office Performance
Since its theatrical release on September 26th, ‘One Battle After Another’ has grossed $114 million worldwide and is still earning revenue. Notably, it is the first film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson to cross the $100 million mark at the box office. Despite Ellis’s criticism, the film’s commercial success and critical acclaim suggest that it has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
