Jan Komasa, the visionary director behind Corpus Christi, makes his English-language debut with Anniversary, a tense and timely American thriller set to release on October 29, 2025. With a cast led by Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler, the film explores the unraveling of a close-knit family caught in the crossfire of a rising political movement.
The Plot: Family vs. Ideology
Ellen and Paul Taylor, played by Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler, live a quiet suburban life until their son Josh (Dylan O’Brien) begins dating Liz (Phoebe Dynevor), Ellen’s former student. Liz is now a prominent figure in “The Change,” a controversial movement sweeping across the nation. As Liz becomes part of the family, tensions rise. Ideological divisions begin to fracture relationships, and the Taylors find themselves navigating a storm that mirrors the unrest outside their home.
Behind the Scenes: Cast and Production
The film also stars Zoey Deutch, Mckenna Grace, Daryl McCormack, Madeline Brewer, and Rebecca O’Mara. Written by Lori Rosene-Gambino, Anniversary began filming in Dublin in July 2023. Although production was briefly affected by the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike, it was granted a waiver and continued without major delays.
Early Reviews: Mixed but Memorable
Critics are divided. Rory O’Connor of The Film Stage praised Komasa’s bold direction, calling the film “relentlessly watchable” and comparing its energy to a “battering ram.” He highlighted strong performances from Lane, Chandler, and Dynevor, though noted moments of overacting and tonal inconsistency. Meanwhile, Pavel Snapkou of Showbiz by PS criticized the film’s lack of political clarity, describing it as “too self-important and out of touch.” Still, he praised the cast and singled out the Thanksgiving dinner scene as a standout.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Anniversary is more than a thriller, it’s a reflection of a society on edge. It explores how political movements infiltrate personal lives, how families fracture under pressure, and how belief systems collide in intimate spaces. Komasa doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, he invites viewers to sit with discomfort, question loyalties, and confront the fragility of unity in uncertain times.
