One Battle After Another combines relentless action and gripping thrills, led by the magnetic performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, who fiercely engage in a battle for survival on screen.
DiCaprio takes on the role of Bob Ferguson, a.k.a. “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun, a former member of the infamous French 75 revolutionary band, notorious for its bombings targeting governmental institutions and championing the cause of immigrants.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for One Battle After Another.
The plot unravels when a botched robbery lays bare the French 75 group’s activities, igniting a full-scale manhunt for its members, including Bob and the mother of his child, Perfidia Beverly Hills, portrayed by Teyana Taylor. In an unexpected twist, Perfidia manages to flee to Mexico after an encounter with Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Penn), leaving Bob to raise their daughter alone. Fast forward 16 years, and Lockjaw’s unrelenting pursuit of the group continues unabated.
Before you step into the cinema for this thrilling Paul Thomas Anderson film, make sure to read on to discover if there’s a reason to linger for a post-credits moment.
How Does One Battle After Another Conclude?
As the film approaches its climax, Lockjaw allies himself with a group of white supremacists to track down Bob and his daughter, who now lives under the name Willa Ferguson. In a desperate attempt to protect his family, Bob enlists the help of Sergio St. Carlos, played by Benicio del Toro, but fate takes a cruel turn when Bob stumbles and is apprehended by Lockjaw’s enforcers. Meanwhile, Willa finds refuge in a convent after her father’s capture.
The plot thickens as Lockjaw, entangled in his own complicated history with Perfidia, undergoes scrutiny by his supremacist associates. A DNA test kitschily reveals that he is Willa’s biological father, leading to a twist straight out of a soap opera. In a daring escape, Bob flees confinement and makes his way to the convent for a reunion with Willa, amid utter chaos, culminating in Lockjaw meeting a grisly fate courtesy of a rival within the supremacy group.
Ultimately, father and daughter are reunited, and as the dust settles, Bob shares a heartfelt letter from Willa’s mother, penned in the heat of protest.
Is There a Post-Credits Scene in One Battle After Another?
The film does not feature a post-credits scene, but it does include a touching dedication to Adam Somner as the credits roll.
Who Was Adam Somner?
Somner, the London-born first assistant director of One Battle After Another, tragically passed away in November 2025 from anaplastic thyroid cancer at the age of 57. His accolades extended to major works such as Gladiator, Phantom Thread, The Wolf of Wall Street, West Side Story, Licorice Pizza, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Steven Spielberg, who collaborated with Somner on the revival of West Side Story, honored the late assistant director in a heartfelt statement. He described Somner not merely as an assistant, but as an essential backbone of his productions, praising his leadership, humor, and ability to unify the crew. Spielberg’s tribute underscores the deep-seated impact Somner had on the industry, illustrating that behind every great film is an army of unsung heroes.
