Anniversary Review: Dylan O’Brien & Phoebe Dynevor ‘s Twisty New Thriller Blends Family Drama With Half-Baked Political Intrigue

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As a film buff, I have a feeling audiences are in for a surprise with the new family drama, Anniversary. Don’t let the straightforward title fool you! It’s way more than just a simple family story. Jan Komasa and Lori Rosene-Gambino have crafted a really intense film where a family squabble unexpectedly escalates into something that threatens national security. It’s got high stakes and non-stop conflict, and I think it’ll really keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Anniversary follows a loving family whose lives are disrupted by a divisive new movement called “The Change.” Ellen and Paul are struggling to cope as their son, Josh, begins a relationship with Liz, a former student of Ellen’s. As Liz becomes part of the family, hidden tensions emerge, challenging their bonds of love and loyalty. Liz’s involvement in “The Change” creates further conflict, mirroring the growing uncertainty and distrust gripping the nation.

Anniversary Offers a Unique Premise That Ties Family Drama to National Security

While “Anniversary” has a unique and engaging idea at its core, the movie takes some time to get going. The first half-hour focuses heavily on introducing the characters and their histories, delivering a lot of information quickly. This can be confusing or slow-paced for viewers at first, before the main story really picks up. Although the beginning isn’t the most exciting, it does include some charming details and funny moments as it establishes the family dynamics and relationships.

The movie first focuses on establishing the family and their history before gradually introducing the political elements. Ellen, the mother, is a Georgetown professor who doesn’t lean strongly to either the left or right. Early on, the film touches on concerns about Ivy League schools fostering radical ideas, but then shifts away from politics for a while. Things change when Liz, a woman dating Ellen’s son Josh, appears at their 25th anniversary party. Ellen remembers Liz as a former student with extreme beliefs – she calls it a strict, undemocratic system aiming for national unity. Surprisingly, the movie doesn’t actually show the moment this rivalry began, even though it’s central to the plot. While politics is important to the story, it’s presented subtly, so it doesn’t overwhelm the family’s personal struggles.

Viewers expecting a straightforward family drama might be surprised by the film’s focus on national politics and security. The title and trailer don’t clearly indicate this broader scope. A different title, perhaps something like “The Change,” might have better prepared audiences for the full story. However, the slightly misleading marketing isn’t a negative – it means viewers may get more out of Anniversary than they initially anticipated.

Anniversary’s Star-Studded Cast Deliver Gripping Performances

What makes Anniversary compelling is its complex characters and the tangled web of secrets, lies, and hidden resentments they create. This leads to constant conflict, making it hard to decide who to support. Each family member has a unique story that contributes to the main plot, though some of these individual stories are more developed than others. Cynthia (Zoey Deutch) and her husband Rob (Daryl McCormack) felt particularly weak; their relationship was often unclear or ignored, diminishing the impact of their storyline. While most of the family feels interconnected, a significant threat looms that could tear them apart.

The film’s characters are so compelling thanks to the incredible acting from the entire cast. The film boasts a highly skilled and experienced ensemble, and the chemistry between Lane and Chandler is particularly convincing as a couple married for over 25 years. Lane and Dynevor also deliver strong performances as rivals, effectively portraying the deep-seated animosity between their characters. Dynevor and O’Brien, playing a troubled couple, demonstrate a remarkable ability to portray a wide spectrum of emotions, making them perfect for the film’s complex lead roles.

Thankfully, Anniversary focuses on its characters and their relationships, which is a strength given the film’s limited setting. Almost the entire story unfolds within the family home, with very little shown of the outside world. This sometimes makes the plot feel hurried and confusing, and a broader setting could have helped viewers connect with the story and follow it more easily. Because the location is so restricted, the filmmakers kept the set design simple, concentrating on the house itself and largely ignoring other environments.

Anniversary Will Leave Viewers on the Edge of Their Seats

Anniversary expertly builds tension and conflict as the story unfolds. With each jump forward in time, new problems emerge for both the family and the country. The movie is full of surprises, making it hard to predict what will happen next. The unpredictable plot keeps viewers guessing, and the film culminates in a thrilling and shocking climax. The filmmakers’ daring choice for the ending is the most memorable part of the movie.

Although Anniversary isn’t flawless, it’s a uniquely creative film that blends family issues with a national security storyline. It offers a fresh and daring experience, unlike many movies released lately, and isn’t afraid to take chances. With its unusual story and surprising twists, Anniversary will definitely keep you guessing until the very end.

Anniversary hits theaters on October 29.

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2025-10-27 19:07