Forget the sweeping, impersonal news reports. One Battle After Another plunges you directly into the visceral, terrifying, and profoundly human reality of the war in Ukraine through the unblinking lens of a single soldier.
Directed by the Pulitzer-winning journalist Mstyslav Chernov, this is not a film about grand strategy or political manoeuvring. It is an intimate, raw, and often brutal diary of survival, focusing on a paramedic named Andrii. We follow his journey from the early, chaotic days of the full-scale invasion to the grinding, attritional warfare in the east.
An Intimate Portrait of Trauma and Resilience
The documentary's power lies in its unflinching intimacy. Chernov's camera is a constant, quiet companion, capturing moments of sheer terror, exhausting boredom, and fleeting camaraderie. We see the war not through a general's eyes, but through those of a man whose life has been irrevocably shattered.
The film meticulously charts the two parallel battles every soldier faces: the physical fight against a visible enemy, and the internal, psychological war against trauma, fear, and loss. Scenes of Andrii administering first aid under fire are intercut with moments of quiet despair, revealing the deep emotional scars that will long outlast any physical wound.
A Masterclass in Verité Filmmaking
Chernov, who previously directed the harrowing 20 Days in Mariupol, continues his essential work as a chronicler of this conflict. His filmmaking is stark, direct, and refuses to look away. There are no slick graphics or stirring musical scores to provide Hollywood-style comfort.
The visual and auditory landscape is one of disorienting chaos: the shaky camerawork of retreat, the deafening blasts of artillery, and the eerie silence that follows a battle. This verité approach doesn't just show you the war; it makes you feel its relentless, draining pressure.
More Than a War Film: A Vital Human Document
While undeniably a difficult watch, One Battle After Another is a necessary one. It transcends its subject matter to become a universal story about the human capacity for endurance. Andrii's journey is specific to Ukraine, but his struggle—the 'one battle after another' of the title—is a timeless testament to the spirit of those caught in the gears of history.
The film doesn't offer easy answers or neat conclusions. Instead, it leaves the viewer with a profound sense of the war's staggering human cost and a deep admiration for the resilience of those who continue to fight, both on the front lines and within themselves.
Verdict: A devastating, essential, and masterfully crafted documentary. One Battle After Another is a brutal but vital act of witness that everyone should see.
