Anniversary Movie Review: A Quietly Chilling Descent into Dystopia

A new political thriller arrives with unsettling relevance. “Anniversary,” directed by Jan Komasa, premieres on October 29. The film explores the rise of an authoritarian movement through the eyes of one American family.

The story centers on the Taylor family’s backyard anniversary party. This celebration soon gives way to a creeping national terror.

The Change and Its Insidious Grip

The film introduces a movement called The Change. It promotes a “no-party system” to unite America. This slogan masks a drive for militant conformity.

The movement’s architect marries into the Taylor family. This brings the terror shockingly close to home. The family’s disbelief turns to dread over a five-year period.

A Family Fractured by Ideology

Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler star as Ellen and Paul Taylor. They represent a comfortable, left-leaning American ideal. Their world is upended by their son’s new girlfriend, Liz.

Liz, played by Phoebe Dynevor, is a former student of Ellen’s. Her thesis was once condemned as “anti-democratic.” She now wields immense power as The Change’s visionary.

The Taylor children react differently to the new regime. Their sibling dynamics crack under the pressure. Josh, played by Dylan O’Brien, undergoes a particularly chilling transformation from uncertain writer to arrogant enforcer.

“Anniversary” delivers a masterclass in intimate, psychological terror. This “Anniversary movie review” finds its dystopian vision both recognizable and deeply unsettling.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the plot of the movie Anniversary?

The film follows the Taylor family over five years. They witness the rise of an authoritarian political movement called The Change. The crisis hits home when the movement’s leader marries their son.

Who stars in the Anniversary movie?

The cast features Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, and Dylan O’Brien. Madeline Brewer, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor, and Mckenna Grace play the Taylor daughters. The ensemble delivers powerfully nuanced performances.

Who directed the film Anniversary?

Jan Komasa directed the feature. He is known for his Oscar-nominated film “Corpus Christi.” The screenplay is the first from writer Lori Rosene-Gambino.

What is the tone of the movie?

The tone is a quiet, psychological thriller. It focuses on family tension over large-scale action. The dread builds through intimate moments and charged family gatherings.

Is the movie based on a book?

No, it is an original screenplay. The story is not adapted from existing source material. The fictional movement is sparked by a book written by a character within the film.

Trusted Sources

The Associated Press, Reuters, Variety