It's unsettling how rapidly and subtly shifts in societal norms can occur, spanning numerous aspects of life. One day, things might feel peaceful and content, and the next, you could find yourself ostracized and under observation by an authoritarian, cult-like political movement—a situation many people may be able to connect with currently. This is essentially what happens to Ellen and Paul Taylor (played by Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler), a college professor and restaurant owner respectively, as they celebrate 25 years of marriage alongside their family and friends. However, this joyful occasion is disrupted by the arrival of Liz Nettles (Phoebe Dynevor), the girlfriend of their son Josh (Dylan O’Brien), an unsuccessful novelist. Her presence creates a quiet but noticeable tension, especially considering she was once a student of Ellen's at Georgetown University. Ellen and her colleagues had viewed Liz as a dangerously radical student who promoted a rigid, one-party government system—a supposed representation of “a united population”—supported by the substantial resources of a corporate conglomerate with extensive power. Now, as the author of a bestselling book advocating for her far-right ideology, she has become the face of a widespread political movement called "The Change," reminiscent of the scenario in director Frank Capra’s “Meet John Doe” (1941), but driven by control and manipulation instead of kindness and empathy. Over the following five years, as this movement and Liz and Josh's influence expand, they begin to exert a significant impact on Ellen, Paul, and their three daughters (Madeline Brewer, Zoey Deutch, Mckenna Grace), ultimately fracturing the family. This distressing experience comes at a considerable price—often frustrating, heartbreaking, and difficult to witness—but it also serves as a vital warning that shouldn't be disregarded. Writer-director Jan Komasa’s compelling moral examination urges us to stay alert in similar situations before we become victims ourselves, something we have already observed in modern American society. The narrative maintains a palpable sense of suspense throughout, steadily intensifying and frequently delivering shocking but sadly believable events. This is thanks to the film's well-crafted script and the strong performances from the cast, particularly Lane, who delivers another noteworthy performance. While some characters occasionally seem simplistic, that’s not entirely surprising in a story like this where they function as symbolic representations within a philosophical context. Viewers should be prepared for a disheartening feeling after watching, which may have contributed to its brief theatrical release in late October 2025. Nevertheless, these aspects do nothing to detract from the film's quality. “Anniversary” is a movie that directly and boldly encourages viewers to pay attention to its message given the high stakes involved for both individuals and society as a whole, whose future seems uncertain.

Source on TMDB