PTA's One Battle After Another debuts strong, profitability in doubt

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another opened in U.S. theaters on September 26, drawing strong critical praise and a number one box-office debut but leaving questions about its long-term profitability. The 162-minute action thriller, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a former revolutionary forced back into danger to rescue his daughter, earned an estimated $22.4 million in North America and another $26.1 million overseas for a $48.5 million global opening weekend.

The film represents Anderson’s widest commercial launch to date and marks a career-high opening for the director. It premiered in multiple premium formats, including IMAX and VistaVision, formats Anderson and his collaborators emphasized as integral to the theatrical experience. Early previews before the wide release had already brought in about $3.1 million. Audiences responding at exits gave the picture a strong grade, and critics have been overwhelmingly positive, with approval ratings in the mid-90s and frequent praise for Anderson’s direction, the large ensemble and the film’s vivid production design and action set pieces.

One Battle After Another is a loose adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland....