Benicio del Toro Shines as Sensei Sergio in 2025’s Standout Role

2025 proved to be a remarkable year for Benicio del Toro, who delivered a string of memorable performances on the silver screen. While his leading role as Zsa-Zsa Korda in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme drew much attention, it was his supporting turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another that truly set him apart. His depiction of Sergio St. Carlos, better known as Sensei Sergio, has now been recognised as GamesRadar+’s character of the year.

Set against a backdrop of upheaval and legacy, Anderson’s film follows the intersecting lives of revolutionaries and their families. Del Toro’s Sensei Sergio is a karate instructor by day, but also a pillar for the undocumented community in Baktan Cross, California. When Bob, a former revolutionary played by Leonardo DiCaprio, realises his daughter Willa is in jeopardy, Sergio is the first person he turns to for help. Despite years spent living under assumed identities, Bob’s past catches up with him when Colonel Steven Lockjaw, portrayed by Sean Penn, tracks them down, intent on settling old scores.

Community Leader Amidst Chaos

Sergio’s willingness to assist Bob is immediate, yet he faces his own challenges. Lockjaw’s arrival in Baktan Cross is accompanied by a contingent of immigration officers, complicating matters for Sergio, who is already sheltering a group of undocumented migrants. As he puts it,

“a little Latino Harriet Tubman situation going on at my place. All legit. From the heart.”

Before he can help Bob, Sergio must first ensure the safety of those in his care.

Throughout the film, Sergio stands in stark contrast to establishment figures like Lockjaw. While Lockjaw’s authority is undermined by his lack of genuine respect, Sergio commands loyalty and affection from all corners of the community. Whether guiding Bob through a maze of flats or rallying local teenagers, his influence is quietly profound. In one particularly amusing sequence, Sergio shepherds a flustered Bob through an apartment block, treating him much like one of his young students—Bob grumbles, but ultimately follows his lead.

Humour and Heart in Equal Measure

Sergio injects much-needed levity into the narrative, delivering some of the film’s most memorable lines. When stopped by police and questioned about drinking, his response is classic:

“I’ve had a few,”

he admits, before clarifying,

“a few small beers.”

It’s a moment that brings a touch of wit to the tension, and, incidentally, serves as an excellent advert for Modelo.

Beneath the humour, Sergio’s courage is evident. Unlike the more flamboyant acts of the French 75, who favour dramatic gestures, Sergio’s bravery is quieter but no less significant. He risks his own safety to aid Bob, even going so far as to surrender himself to the authorities to ensure Bob’s escape. His actions, though understated, have a tangible impact on those around him.

Legacy and the Next Generation

Among those seeking refuge in Sergio’s building are numerous children. As he ushers families through hidden passages towards sanctuary, the film offers a sobering glimpse of the stakes involved. Mothers clutch their children’s hands, backpacks and toys in tow, as they make their way to safety. In these moments, Sensei Sergio embodies the film’s central message: the struggle endures, and it is our responsibility to prepare the next generation to face it with greater wisdom and compassion.

Other notable characters this year included Clark Kent/Kal-El from Superman, Thia from Predator: Badlands, Kleya Marki from Andor’s second series, and Annie from Sinners. One Battle After Another is now available for home viewing.