I really enjoyed this nearly 3-hour movie. It maintained
great pacing throughout and never felt boring. The storyline combines
unsettling and complex themes that are highly relevant today, including white
supremacy, immigration, racism, and trauma. These social and political topics
were addressed thoughtfully, without coming across as preachy. The film
included a few well-executed jump scares that were unexpected but added to the tension.
A gripping car scene early in the movie and another spectacular one near the
end were definite highlights for me. The dialogue felt real, raw, heightened,
and eccentric – adding depth to the characters and their relationships. Action,
suspense, and comedy were seamlessly blended by a brilliant cast, making this
an epic rollercoaster ride of a movie. The music score was terrific, setting
the tone and amplifying the paranoia and emotional tension in every scene. I
also really enjoyed the cinematography as the scenery was beautiful and added
visual depth to the story.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays a revolutionary fighter turned father,
trying to do his best, and he shines in the role - you can’t help but root for him.
Benicio Del Toro brings a calm, collected energy, appearing disinterested yet
unwavering in his fight. He balances DiCaprio well, and together they add moments
of unexpected humor. Regina Hall is powerful and captivating - I wish she had
more screen time. Chase Infiniti brings quiet strength to her role, and I am excited
to see more of her in future projects. Teyana Taylor plays a revolutionary
fighter who is not yet ready to be a mother; her performance is intense and unforgettable –
you want to hate her, but you can’t look away. The standout performance comes
from Sean Penn. He is unrecognizable, spectacular, and legendary. His portrayal
of the villain is chilling and precise, delivering a performance that feels like an
Oscar-worthy one.
This film contains a moderate amount of sex, nudity, violence, gore, alcohol, drugs, smoking, fighting, and intense scenes. The profanity is severe.
Viewed in Theater: October 7, 2025Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Written by: Paul Thomas Anderson, inspired by Vineland by Thomas Pynchon
Music by: Jonny Greenwood
Cinematography: Michael Bauman
Release Date: September 26, 2025
