Ep 299: Reviewing “One Battle After Another” and the Ongoing American Revolution [2026 Oscar Movies]

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the decades-spanning revolutionary narrative of Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," a film that has garnered significant Oscar buzz. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn, this sprawling American epic explores the clash between militant countercultural revolutionaries and a repressive police state, all while addressing the generational family drama of anti-state activism. Laura and Stephen dissect the film's colorful characters, including the fiery revolutionary Perfidia and the morally ambiguous Colonel Lockjaw, while examining the film's commentary on political action and the cyclical nature of struggle. With a mix of humor and profound moments, they delve into the film's three acts, discussing everything from the chaotic opening scenes to the poignant resolution. Join them as they unpack the layers of "One Battle After Another," a film that resonates deeply with contemporary issues and challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of activism and personal legacy.00:00 Introduction to "One Battle After Another"01:30 Overview of the film's premise and themes04:00 Discussion on the character of Perfidia08:00 Insights on Colonel Lockjaw's role12:00 Exploration of the film's narrative structure16:00 The significance of generational trauma20:00 Humor amidst chaos in the film24:00 Analysis of the film's production techniques28:00 Comparisons to contemporary activism32:00 Final thoughts on the film's impact and Oscar potential36:00 Conclusion and reflections on the OscarsFor more Laura and Stephen, follow us at @middaymoviespod, @umbrellapodcastcollective, and @facehuggersandfriendspodWe want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook LinktreeCheck out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers, and more!