Critics at Large | The New Yorker

One Paul Thomas Anderson Film After Another

Oct 2, 2025
Dive into the world of Paul Thomas Anderson as his latest film tackles the complexities of present-day America. The hosts explore the film's energetic visuals and its mix of thrilling action with deep family drama. They debate the film's political themes, assessing its connections to contemporary activism and the influence of past revolutionary ideals. Insightful critiques of Anderson's celebrated works like 'Boogie Nights' and 'There Will Be Blood' highlight his unique storytelling, while questions arise about how cinema reflects today's turbulent realities.
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INSIGHT

PTA's Present-Day Epic

  • Paul Thomas Anderson returns with a big, present-day epic that blends militant politics and intimate family drama.
  • The film tests whether a blockbuster can meaningfully portray contemporary political extremities.
INSIGHT

Plot: Revolution, Exile, And Return

  • The plot follows the French 75, a multiracial revolutionary cell, and the fallout of a botched operation.
  • The story centers on separation, assumed identities, and the return of a violent antagonist, Colonel Lockjaw.
ANECDOTE

Expectation Versus Reaction

  • Naomi Fry recounts her high expectations and widespread
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