25 years of marriage is something to certainly celebrate and Ellen (Diane Lane) and Paul Taylor (Kyle Chandler) are lucky enough to do so in front of family and friends in Anniversary. Their four children were happy to gather to celebrate their parents love. The youngest, Birdie (Mckenna Grace) already lives with them so had the shortest commute. Anna (Madeline Brewer), the eldest who is now a popular comedian, made sure to find time in her busy schedule for the trip. Cynthia (Zoey Deutch) and her husband Rob (Daryl McCormack) are lawyers practicing environmental law and would never miss the festivities. Finally there is Josh (Dylan O’Brien) – an aspiring writer who hasn’t quite made it on his own like his two older sisters. Josh has a surprise for his parents – his plus one. A newish girlfriend, Liz Nettles (Phoebe Dynevor), who his family is yet to meet.
Although it quickly turns out that Ellen has met Liz. Ellen, a professor at Georgetown, had taught Liz almost a decade ago. Ellen had been very concerned about some of Liz’s ideologies that she had written about in her thesis. Ellen’s opposition to the thesis eventually led to Liz leaving Georgetown. These very beliefs are now the basis for Liz’s new book The Change. Ellen initially dismisses the book, but The Change isn’t going anywhere, only gaining in popularity. Ellen begins to realize the damage that a radical ideology can have not only to her once close-knit family, but the country as a whole.
Jan Komasa directed the film with Lori Rosene-Gambino penning the screenplay. While Komasa has several films under his belt, Anniversary is Rosene-Gambino’s feature length debut. Rosene-Gambino manages to create an intriguing and fast paced script. The film never drags and the tension keeps rising until reaching a fever pitch. Dialogue is at the heart of the film and Rosene-Gambino’s strong script rises to the challenge.
Komasa & co use several techniques to help drive the narrative. With the film essentially taking place in one house, they cleverly manage to broaden the horizons. The Change is a movement sweeping the nation. Short cut scenes, brief narration, and subtle changes across time jumps are used to help capture the scale and impact of The Change. The Taylor’s house and situation successfully serve as a microcosm to what is occurring across the country.
The script and character motives are realistic for the majority of the film. There are some head-scratching moments, but they are few and far between. Regardless of these brief instances, the acting across the board is top-notch and overwhelmingly believable. In this day and age of political angst among many on both sides, Anniversary may hit too close to home for some. That being said, it is a well-acted, perfectly paced, political and social thriller. The film stays with you long after the credits roll and it is absolutely worth a watch.
Anniversary is open in theaters now via Lionsgate.
