Anniversary

Unless you live under a rock, everyone in America can see the growing distrust in the current political system. With the times we’re living in, the question of what the future holds—and what that ideal future might look like—depends on who you ask. For me, at least, the future doesn’t look bright. Jan Komasa’s new film Anniversary explores one family and how one possible future affects them in ways that are both hard and eye-opening to watch.

For Ellen (Diane Lane) and Paul Taylor (Kyle Chandler), life seems picture-perfect. They’re both successful—Ellen as a professor at Georgetown, and Paul as a chef—and they have four children who, for the most part, have found their paths in life. Those kids are Cynthia (Zoey Deutch), a lawyer; Anna (Madeline Brewer), a successful performer; Josh (Dylan O’Brien), a struggling writer; and Birdie (McKenna Grace), the youngest, who shows all kinds of promise. The family gathers to celebrate their parents’ anniversary, which also happens to be when Josh introduces his new girlfriend, Liz (Phoebe Dynevor), to everyone. Liz isn’t a stranger to all—Ellen already knows her, and remembers disliking her political views.

The anniversary celebration goes well, but when we see the family again two years later at the same event, things have started to change—beginning with a book Liz has written titled The Change, which has inspired a movement toward a one-party political system. Over the years, we witness how the world and the Taylor family evolve as they come together for what once was a joyous occasion: their parents’ anniversary.

Written by Lori Rosene-Gambino, Anniversary is a film that makes your mind work—and your stomach turn. There’s no subtlety here, especially in what the film wants to say; it rarely beats around the bush and is often quite blunt. As the story unfolds, it’s hard to take your eyes off the screen. The film will affect people differently, but it’s sure to make everyone uneasy about what could happen in our own world.

Anniversary is the kind of movie where the film itself might fade, but its story will linger. It features a strong cast, though at times it can feel slightly overacted. Leading the way is Diane Lane, who reminds us how great she can be when given material like this—she really rises to the occasion. Phoebe Dynevor also stands out as Liz, matching Lane’s energy throughout. While the rest of the cast does solid work, it’s Lane and Dynevor who give the story its extra punch.

The film can be tough to watch at times, as certain moments feel a little too familiar, but that’s also what makes it powerful. Anniversary is bound to spark conversations—whether you think it perfectly nails its message or comes off as too preachy. Either way, most would agree that Anniversary is a gripping, thought-provoking film that keeps you locked in from start to finish.