There Will Be Blood is widely considered one of the most significant films of the 21st century. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, this 2007 epic drama tells the story of Daniel Plainview, a silver miner turned oilman on a ruthless quest for wealth during Southern California’s oil boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Whether you are looking for where to stream the movie, an explanation of its complex themes, or details on its award-winning production, this guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you get the most out of your viewing experience.
Where to Watch There Will Be Blood
Finding a reliable place to stream or rent There Will Be Blood is the first step for many viewers. Because streaming rights change frequently, it is helpful to know which platforms consistently offer the film. Currently, the movie is often available on major subscription services and digital storefronts.
Streaming Services
Depending on your region, you can often find the film on platforms like Paramount+ or Netflix. These services frequently rotate their libraries, so it is a good idea to check the search function on your app periodically. If you have a subscription to these services, you may be able to watch at no additional cost.
Digital Rental and Purchase
If the film is not available on your current streaming subscriptions, you can easily rent or buy it from digital retailers. Major platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (iTunes), Google Play Movies, and Vudu offer the film in high definition. Renting is usually the most cost-effective option if you only plan to watch it once, while purchasing ensures you have permanent access to the film in your digital library.
Physical Media
For cinephiles who prefer the highest possible audio and video quality, There Will Be Blood is available on Blu-ray and DVD. Many viewers find that the physical disc provides a superior experience, especially for appreciating the film’s Oscar-winning cinematography and haunting musical score. You can find these discs at major retailers or through online marketplaces.
Plot Overview and Setting
The story begins in 1898 with Daniel Plainview, a lone prospector who discovers silver in a dangerous, hand-dug pit. After an accident leads him to discover oil, he shifts his focus entirely to the burgeoning petroleum industry. The narrative spans several decades, following Plainview as he adopts an orphaned boy, whom he names H.W., and uses the child to project a trustworthy, family-man image to potential land sellers.
The Move to Little Boston
The core of the film takes place in a fictional town called Little Boston, California. Plainview is tipped off by a young man named Paul Sunday about a massive oil deposit beneath his family’s ranch. Plainview buys the land and begins a massive drilling operation, which brings him into direct conflict with Paul’s twin brother, Eli Sunday. Eli is a charismatic and ambitious local preacher who seeks to use Plainview’s wealth to fund his own religious empire.
A Study of Ambition and Greed
As the oil begins to flow, the film shifts from a story of industrial progress to a deep character study of Daniel Plainview. His success brings him immense wealth but also leads to increasing isolation, paranoia, and moral decay. The film masterfully explores how his singular focus on winning and outperforming others eventually alienates everyone close to him, including his son, H.W.
Key Characters and Performances
The success of the film is largely attributed to its powerful performances and well-defined characters. Understanding the motivations of these figures helps clarify the film’s intense conflicts.
Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis)
Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a performance that many critics rank among the best in cinema history. Plainview is a man driven by a profound misanthropy and a competitive spirit that borders on pathological. He views everyone as a rival and is willing to manipulate anyone to achieve his goals. His famous line, “I drink your milkshake,” has become a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing his predatory approach to business and life.
Eli Sunday (Paul Dano)
Paul Dano plays the dual roles of Paul and Eli Sunday. As Eli, he serves as the perfect foil to Plainview. While Plainview represents the cold, calculating side of capitalism, Eli represents the opportunistic side of organized religion. Their rivalry is the heart of the film, representing a clash between two powerful forces—industry and faith—both of which are shown to be susceptible to corruption.
H.W. Plainview
H.W. serves as the emotional center of the film. Initially used as a prop for his father’s business dealings, H.W. grows into a man who must reckon with his father’s cold nature. A tragic accident early in the film leaves H.W. deaf, which further complicates his relationship with Daniel and highlights Daniel’s inability to truly care for another human being.
Themes and Symbolism
There Will Be Blood is a dense film with several layers of meaning. By paying attention to these themes, you can better understand the director’s intent and the film’s lasting impact.
- The Cost of Success: The film asks what a person must give up to become truly powerful. For Plainview, the cost is his humanity and any chance at a meaningful connection with others.
- Religion vs. Capitalism: The constant battle between Daniel and Eli suggests that both industry and religion can be used as tools for control and personal gain.
- Family and Legacy: Despite his claims of building a family business, Daniel’s actions show that he views family as a means to an end, leading to a lonely and bitter legacy.
- The American Frontier: The film captures the transition from the rugged individualist era of the 1800s to the corporate-dominated 20th century.
Technical Achievements and Awards
The film is not only praised for its acting and story but also for its technical brilliance. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two, including Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis and Best Cinematography for Robert Elswit.
Cinematography and Visuals
The visual style of the film is stark and grand. The use of natural light and wide shots of the California desert create a sense of scale and isolation. The opening twenty minutes, which contain almost no dialogue, rely entirely on visual storytelling to establish Plainview’s character and the harsh reality of his work.
The Musical Score
The score, composed by Jonny Greenwood of the band Radiohead, is a departure from traditional film music. It is dissonant, tense, and modern, perfectly reflecting the psychological state of the main character. The music often creates a sense of dread, signaling that while Plainview is gaining wealth, something terrible is happening to his soul.
Why You Should Watch It
If you enjoy films that challenge you and offer deep psychological insights, There Will Be Blood is a must-watch. It is a slow-burn drama that rewards patient viewers with its incredible performances and thought-provoking ending. It is a film that people continue to discuss and analyze years after its release, making it a staple for any serious movie lover. Understanding the historical context of the oil boom and the personal rivalries depicted in the film adds a layer of depth that makes the viewing experience even more satisfying.
Conclusion
There Will Be Blood is more than just a historical drama; it is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the dark side of ambition. By following this guide, you now know where to find the film and what key elements to look for during your viewing. Whether you are watching it for the first time or the tenth, there is always something new to discover in Daniel Plainview’s descent into obsession. For more helpful guides on classic cinema, modern streaming tips, and how to get the most out of your home entertainment setup, be sure to explore our other articles.