@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
Ruthless silver miner, turned oil prospector, Daniel Plainview, moves to oil-rich California. Using his son to project a trustworthy, family-man image, Plainview cons local landowners into selling him their valuable properties for a pittance. However, local preacher Eli Sunday suspects Plainview's motives and intentions, starting a slow-burning feud that threatens both their lives.
Quick Stats
8.1
TMDB Rating
7,575
Votes
2h 38m
Runtime
$25.0M
Budget
$77.2M
Box Office
309%
Return
Key Crew
DirectorPaul Thomas Anderson
WriterPaul Thomas Anderson
CinematographyRobert Elswit
ComposerLinda Cohen
EditorDylan Tichenor
Production DesignJack Fisk
Produced by
Paramount VantageMiramaxJoAnne Sellar ProductionsGhoulardi Film Company
Where to Watch
Streaming
Netflix
HBO MaxBuy
Apple iTunesSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Plainview
Paul Dano
Paul Sunday / Eli Sunday
Kevin J. O'Connor
Henry
Ciarán Hinds
Fletcher Hamilton
Dillon Freasier
H.W. Plainview
Hope Elizabeth Reeves
Elizabeth
Colleen Foy
Mary Sunday
Barry Del Sherman
H. B. Ailman
David Willis
Abel Sunday
H
Hans Howes
Mr. Bandy
S
Sydney McCallister
Mary Sunday (young)
Paul F. Tompkins
Prescott
Kevin Breznahan
Signal Hill Man
Jim Meskimen
Signal Hill Married Man
Erica Sullivan
Signal Hill Woman
