Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar win for his role as Hugh Glass in The Revenant has drawn renewed attention to the film as it approaches its tenth anniversary this Christmas, with viewers now boosting the western epic to high rankings on Paramount+. The celebrated survival drama, which finally ended DiCaprio’s long wait for an Academy Award, continues to engage audiences through its compelling story and emotional intensity.
A Decade Since The Revenant’s Milestone Oscar Triumph
Set for a ten-year milestone, The Revenant was released in theaters by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, bringing together Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy for a gritty depiction of frontiersmen battling the elements and their own demons in the 1820s Great Plains. The film, adapted in part from Michael Punke’s novel and inspired by the true story of Hugh Glass, earned three Oscars and more than $533 million at the box office. Its lasting reputation as one of the bleaker modern westerns stems from its portrayal of survival against impossible odds, as Glass, a seasoned trapper, is left for dead following a bear attack and suffers the loss of his son at the hands of fellow trapper John Fitzgerald, played by Hardy.
The story unfolds during the Arikara War, a turbulent time when Glass’s party, fearing further attacks, abandons their injured companion, deepening the sense of betrayal and isolation. Driven by grief and a fierce thirst for revenge, Glass’s harrowing journey through the hostile environment forms the core of the movie, culminating in a desperate showdown fueled by loss and desperation. Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter also feature among the cast, adding further depth to the tense wilderness drama.
The Film’s Critical Reception and Lasting Influence
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar win for The Revenant was widely anticipated due to his committed performance. While the director, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, followed up his Birdman Best Picture win with another directing Oscar for this movie, The Revenant did not secure the top Best Picture prize, losing to Spotlight in 2016. Nevertheless, critics lauded the film, which holds a strong 78% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has remained a favorite for audiences and critics alike for its intense performances and meticulously crafted atmosphere.
DiCaprio’s Potential for Another Oscar Recognized
As The Revenant gains fresh visibility, speculation rises around the possibility of Leonardo DiCaprio capturing another Oscar, a decade on from his defining role as Hugh Glass. Earlier this year, DiCaprio took the lead in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed action thriller One Battle After Another. The film sees DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary ravaged by paranoia, who struggles to protect his daughter from an old adversary. Mixing large-scale action and unconventional humor, the movie impressed both critics and industry giants, reportedly achieving a 94% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and securing support from Steven Spielberg.
One Battle After Another is the type of film that only comes along a few times a generation, a masterfully crafted work that speaks to our present as a defining work of what it was like to live in our present era.
– Ross Bonaime, Collider
Industry watchers expect DiCaprio to earn his sixth nomination as a leading actor for this performance. The film also showcases talent such as Chase Infiniti, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor, many of whom have been highlighted alongside DiCaprio during awards speculation and critical analysis.
The Revenant’s Streaming Resurgence and Cultural Impact
Currently climbing to eighth place on Paramount+’s film chart, The Revenant demonstrates impressive staying power for a film nearing its decade mark. Audiences continue to be drawn to the harrowing survival story and gripping performances, particularly Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar-winning achievement. The film’s ongoing popularity reflects its resonance with themes of perseverance, loss, and retribution, as well as the technical brilliance recognized by both viewers and award organizations.
As new generations discover DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, and Domhnall Gleeson’s work in The Revenant, and as discussions continue about DiCaprio’s future at the Oscars, interest in intense stories of struggle and redemption is unlikely to fade. The film’s presence on streaming platforms ensures that its emotional and cinematic legacy endures for years to come.
