Paul Thomas Anderson is no stranger to the spotlight, and his latest feature, One Battle After Another, arrived with the kind of pedigree most directors dream of. Boasting nine Golden Globe nominations—including the prestigious Best Picture—the film is leading the race in the 2026 awards season.

However, despite the critical acclaim and the star-studded ensemble, there is a growing roar from the audience that this “masterpiece” might actually be… well, “ass”.

The Visuals vs. The Vision

Let’s start with the positives. From a technical standpoint, the film is undeniably beautiful. The cinematography and the “picture itself” look incredible on the big screen. Anderson’s eye for detail remains sharp, creating a world that is visually immersive from the first frame.

But as any film buff knows, a pretty picture can’t save a hollow story.

The Critique: Over-Sexualization and Pacing Issues

The primary grievance with One Battle After Another is its reliance on gratuitous sexualization.

• Senseless Scenes: From “tongue action” in the back of a car between Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor to a baffling scene involving sodomy with a pistol, these moments feel forced.
• Lack of Purpose: Rather than enhancing the plot or deepening the characters, these sequences feel like they were added for shock value, ultimately distracting from the core narrative.

The Cast: Brilliant Names, Baffling Roles

The film features a “who’s who” of Hollywood royalty, yet many of the performances feel mismatched with the script’s direction.

• Teyana Taylor: While Taylor looks the part and fits the aesthetic perfectly, the direction leads to what many are calling “overacting”. Her character’s actions—like robbing a bank while shouting a name—often feel disconnected from reality.
• Sean Penn: Perhaps the most disappointing turn is Sean Penn. Expected to play a militant “man on a mission,” he instead portrays a character that feels more like a “simp” for the female lead.
• The Supporting Legends: Even with heavy hitters like Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro on screen, the film’s focus on jealousy and unnecessary “kink” prevents the ensemble from truly shining.

Final Verdict: Does It Deserve the Hype?

While the Hollywood elite are raving about the 9 nominations, the “Nobodyz Opinion” take is simple: Zero nominations. If you strip away the over-sexualization and the bizarre character choices, you might have a solid movie, but in its current form, it’s a beautiful-looking disappointment.

Rating: 1.5 / 5 Stars