Review: Anniversary “A timely and breathtaking watch”

Tensions rise during an anniversary celebration when a couple’s son brings his new girlfriend to celebrate. A normal meeting of the parents turns sour as her controversial views on a movement known as “The Change” arise.

The film begins with Ellen (Diane Lane) and Paul (Kyle Chandler) celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Their son, Josh (Dyan O’Brien), brings his new girlfriend, Liz (Phoebe Dynevor), who happens to be a former student of Ellen’s. The two have a contentious history, having disagreed politically in the past, and Liz is now publishing a book about the very topic they once clashed over.

This story revolves around a family collapsing in the face of rising authoritarianism and explores how each family member is affected by “The Change.” It is a gripping political thriller that captures your attention from the very beginning. The characters are richly developed, making each individual more engaging and relatable.

Anniversary is a profoundly impactful film that illustrates the consequences of a movement spiraling out of control. This is primarily demonstrated through O’Brien’s character and how ‘The Change’ has distorted his views into something menacing, fundamentally altering his personality.

The film effectively focuses on how a single family is impacted by totalitarianism to convey its message. It is beautifully directed by Jan Komasa, who masterfully creates growing tension in each scene. The cast delivers spectacular performances, with standout roles from Dylan O’Brien and McKenna Grace. While the film may be heavy-handed in its message, this emphasis contributes to making it a timely and breathtaking watch that is deliciously devastating.