Magnolia – Friday 2nd January 2026

Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Magnolia’ had been on my list of films to watch for decades! I finally got around to it, and I have to say, it lived up to its reputation.

If it was half an hour shorter, it would be an absolute masterpiece, no doubt it, but as the film went on, and on, and on, I felt the character arcs were being overcooked, kinda like when an artist continues to add detail to his painting past the point where it’s already amazing; those extra details end up detracting from the piece, rather than adding anything of substance.

Don’t get me wrong, the film is still great, but had it ended sooner, it would have been even greater. I loved the fact that it was practically a musical, with the camera continuously moving, the editing matching the rhythm of the music, creating sequence after sequence in that fashion, and thus keeping the multiple story threads flowing. It’s a long film, but when it’s constructed in this way, the passage of time doesn’t drag.

It’s no mean feat to tell a story about so many characters, and not confuse the audience, whilst also allowing each story to be as intricate as it needs to be.

The fact that each character’s story was compelling, enhances the movie as a whole. Every actor shone in their own way, but Tom Cruise stole the show! One of his best performances for sure, in one of his best movies! It’s worth watching for that reason alone.

The film brims with creativity, from the shot design, the sequences, the music, and not least of all, the writing! How does one conceive of a story like this, let alone fill it with believable characters that are each unique and dialogue that fits them so perfectly?

The genius of Paul Thomas Anderson shines through, and it’s all the more impressive that he was able to make this film when he was so young. I think it’s probably his best film, which is saying something, considering the man’s filmography.

Sadly, like so many great films of the past, you cannot see it being made in the current Hollywood era, which is a shame.

Yes, the film is long, but it’s absolutely worth finding the time to watch it; something I wish I had done sooner, because as a filmmaker myself, I found it inspiring in so many ways!

Time to shine myself methinks!