Why Critics Are Raving About ‘One Battle After Another’: Bret Easton Ellis Unpacks its Liberal Themes

Bret Easton Ellis, known for “American Psycho,” has taken a bold stance on Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, “One Battle After Another.” This film is making waves, boasting a remarkable 95 score on Metacritic, positioning it as the highest-rated film of 2025. However, Ellis isn’t impressed. He believes critics rave about it mainly due to its political stance.

On his podcast, Ellis expressed disappointment, saying, “It’s surprising to see such high praise for a movie that, in my view, isn’t that good. It seems like critics are more focused on its leftist themes than the movie itself.”

He predicts that over time, this film will be viewed as a relic of its era, arguing it lacks broader cultural relevance and feels outdated. “It’s like people are pretending it’s excellent just to make a political statement,” he noted.

The film draws loose inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland” and features Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up revolutionary. His character must come out of hiding to protect his daughter from an old foe. The cast also includes Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and breakout star Chase Infiniti, all of whom are generating Oscar buzz.

While some critics have showered it with accolades, like Owen Gleiberman from Variety, who described it as a “mesmerizing vision of a police-state America,” others share Ellis’s skepticism. Gleiberman highlighted its urgency, noting it speaks to modern anxieties while remaining relatable and human.

Since its release on September 26, “One Battle After Another” has grossed over $114 million worldwide, marking Anderson’s first film to surpass the $100 million mark. This financial success may indicate that audiences are responding positively, regardless of critical debate.

As the discourse surrounding this film unfolds, it reflects a broader cultural moment where politics and art intersect, challenging viewers to consider how personal beliefs shape their enjoyment of cinema. The disconnect between artistic merit and political endorsement may open further conversations about what we value in stories today.

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Bret Easton Ellis,One Battle After Another