Bret Easton Ellis, known for his novel “American Psycho,” has criticized the overwhelmingly positive critical reception of Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, “One Battle After Another.” The film, which currently holds a 95 rating on Metacritic, is touted as the highest-rated movie of 2025. Despite Ellis’s admiration for Anderson, he believes that the accolades are driven more by the film’s political alignment with liberal ideologies than by its cinematic merit.
Bret Easton Ellis’s Critique
Ellis expressed his views on “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast,” where he articulated concerns regarding the film’s status as a supposed masterpiece. He stated, “It’s shocking to see these accolades for — I’m sorry, it’s not a very good movie — because of its political ideology.” He argues that critics are responding primarily to the film’s leftist perspectives rather than its artistic qualities.
Political Ideology Over Artistry
According to Ellis, the film is being mistakenly celebrated as “the greatest film of the decade” solely due to its political viewpoints. He foresees a future where “One Battle After Another” will be viewed as “a musty relic” from the post-Kamala Harris era, suggesting that its appeal is both dated and out of touch with broader sentiments in America.
Film Synopsis and Reception
“One Battle After Another,” inspired loosely by Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” features Leonardo DiCaprio as a disillusioned revolutionary compelled to confront his past in order to protect his daughter, played by newcomer Chase Infiniti. The film also stars notable actors such as Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor, all anticipated to receive Oscar nominations.
Box Office Success
Despite Ellis’s criticism, “One Battle After Another” has performed impressively at the box office. Since its release on September 26, 2025, the film has grossed over $114 million worldwide. This achievement marks Anderson’s first film to surpass the $100 million threshold.
Critical Praise vs. Public Perception
Owen Gleiberman of Variety praised “One Battle After Another” as a “mesmerizing vision of a police-state America,” stating that it resonates with the current societal anxieties. He described the film as engaging and relatable, emphasizing its human elements despite its thematic darkness.
As debates continue over the film’s impact and artistic value, the divide between critical acclaim and audience reception remains strong. Ellis’s remarks highlight ongoing discussions about the influence of political narratives on artistic evaluation in modern cinema.
