Cinematic Journey Through El Paso in “One Battle After Another”
The filmOne Battle After Anotherbrings a powerful cinematic experience to El Paso, Texas, weaving an immigration-centered narrative through the city’s real-life locations. From streetcars to historic neighborhoods, the movie captures the essence of El Paso with dramatic scenes that highlight its unique character.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro were first seen in El Paso during the summer of 2024, filming what was initially known as the “BC Project.” The project quickly became a topic of interest among fans and locals alike. Recently, both actors shared their appreciation for the city during an interview.
“El Paso was great,” del Toro said. “We went to see the Chihuahuas play, and that Downtown just added a whole texture to the film…that Downtown El Paso is really prominent in the film, and it’s cool to see it.”
DiCaprio also highlighted how some scenes were filmed at local stores, where real people played a role in the production. “A shoutout to the storeowners that let us into their stores,” DiCaprio said. “We get to integrate ourselves… and work with people that have those jobs. It really shaped the course of the movie.”
Key Moments in El Paso
Howard Sommerville’s Journey Through El Paso
After the film fast-forwards 16 years, the scene opens with Howard Sommerville, played by Paul Grimstad, navigating Downtown El Paso. He boards a historic El Paso Streetcar, setting the stage for a tense moment inside a home in Sunset Heights. There, Howard is speaking live on the radio when Avanti, played by Eric Schweig, sneaks up behind him and places a black bag over his head.
The scene then cuts to outside the house, which appears to be located on Mundy Drive. As they speed off in a white car, the Sunset Grocery Store flashes by in the background. In a gripping escape sequence, the vehicle races through an underpass on Franklin Avenue, with the Union Depot train station visible behind it. The vehicle continues down the border highway, adding to the intensity of the scene.
Riot on El Paso Street in Downtown
The evening riot unfolds on El Paso Street in Downtown, where a character nicknamed “Eddie Van Halen” throws a Molotov cocktail. Military officials pull down the gate to a perfume shop that also serves as Sensei’s home, portrayed by del Toro. In the background, Continental Dry Goods, located at 210 S. El Paso St., is visible as the gate is removed. During Bob’s rooftop escape, the Wells Fargo building appears in a dramatic shot, with its American flag showcased in lights on the building.
Bob’s Arrest and Sacred Heart Rendezvous
After falling from a tree while scaling Downtown buildings, Bob Ferguson, played by DiCaprio, is arrested. The news reaches Sensei through a call from his skateboarding scouts, who had been assisting Bob. Upon hearing the update, Sensei asks if they still have his gun. When they confirm, he instructs them to meet him at Sacred Heart. The church is located on Oregon Street in Downtown.
Colonel Lockjaw’s View of El Paso Skyline
In one of the final scenes, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, played by Sean Penn, is accepted into the Christmas Adventure Club, or so he thinks. He sits in an office with sweeping views, likely filmed in the WestStar building. The camera showcases the Borderland, from Juárez to UTEP, as someone remarks, “Look at that view.” It marks Lockjaw’s end, as he is killed by gas released through a vent.
Critical Acclaim and Release Details
One Battle After Anotherhas received critical acclaim, currently holding a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was released in theaters on Friday, Sept. 26, but a streaming release date has not yet been confirmed. The movie runs for 2 hours and 41 minutes, offering audiences a compelling and immersive experience.
El Paso Times reporter Natassia Paloma contributed to this report. Aaron Bedoya is a manager and content strategist for the El Paso Times. He can be reached at [email protected].
