Loosely based on the Upton Sinclair’s 1927 novel Oil!, writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Punch Drunk Love) brings to vivid life the story of ruthless oilman Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day Lewis) who will stop at nothing to expand his California empire. His ambition clashes with Pastor Eli Sunday (Paul Dano) and twin brother Paul (Dano again), with whom Daniel deceptively plans to purchase an oil-rich piece of land. Caught in the middle is Daniel’s adopted son H.W. (Dillon Freasier), who is forever scarred by his father’s actions. Filmed on former El Paso Community Foundation board chair Betty MacGuire’s ranch near Marfa, Texas, Anderson’s powerful period drama ties together threads of greed, ambition and corruption connected to wealth. Day-Lewis received multiple best actor awards, including a well-deserved Oscar. There Will Be Blood is considered one of the best films of the 21st Century by numerous film critics. — Jaime Mendez

Rated: R