Dads, Daughters, and the Revolution: "One Battle After Another" (2025) with Brendan McDonald

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio are rejoined by Brendan McDonald, former producer of the iconic podcast WTF with Marc Maron, for a bonus episode about Paul Thomas Anderson's latest masterpiece, One Battle After Another. Kicking off with a check-in on Brendan's life following WTF's end this past October, the group roll through the many hills of PTA's new film, including its roots in Thomas Pynchon's novel Vineland, numerous thematic and aesthetic connections to his greater filmography, and its balancing of political commentary and the personal struggles that coincide. Much time is also spent praising of the film's phenomenal cast, be it Leonardo DiCaprio delivering comic and dramatic beats with equal prowess, Chase Infiniti commanding the screen with her evocative breakout performance, or Teyana Taylor using limited screentime to maximal effect, among other examples. Keeping track of the time and remembering the password, with or without format punch-cards, the group draw from their many combined viewings to highlight a film that truly shines like a beacon with its expansive worldview, sincerity, and attention to detail in the uncertainty-laden present of 2025. Listen to the WTF archives and look back on the podcast's legacy at wtfpod.com. If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow! Follow us on IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats