Anniversary (2025)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
A wealthy family's 25th anniversary celebration becomes a catalyst for a descent into a totalitarian society.
The story
The affluent Taylor clan gathers for the 25th wedding anniversary of liberal Georgetown professor Ellen and restaurateur Paul. Their four children—Cynthia, Anna, Birdie, and Josh—are present, along with Josh's poised fiancée, Liz Nettles. Tension arises when Liz presents Ellen with a book titled 'The Change: The New Social Contract,' which advocates for a one-party state. While the family initially views the book with skepticism, its influence grows rapidly over the following years. The narrative follows the family as they navigate the escalating social and political shifts, culminating in a tense atmosphere where the boundaries between their private lives and the burgeoning movement become increasingly blurred.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
During the Taylors' 25th anniversary, Liz Nettles gifts Ellen a book advocating for a one-party state. Over the next few years, the 'Change' movement becomes a dominant political force. The family fractures as members react differently: Rob joins the movement, Cynthia becomes isolated, and Birdie works for the corporate sponsor of the movement. A series of escalating incidents occurs, including a bio-weapon attack at a corporate headquarters where Birdie works, resulting in a suicide bombing. Amidst the chaos of the 30th anniversary party, the family is confronted by the reality of the new regime. Following a violent confrontation where Cynthia stabs Josh and a suicide bombing is revealed, the police intervene. The film ends with the police taking the family members away, while Liz remains behind, looking at a photo of the family in happier days, her expression shifting from distress to a small smile.
- First release year
- 2025
- Runtime (minutes)
- 111
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jan Komasa
- Writers
- Lori Rosene-Gambino · screenplay; Jan Komasa · story; Lori Rosene-Gambino · story
- Cast and characters
- Diane Lane · Ellen Taylor; Kyle Chandler · Paul Taylor; Madeline Brewer · Anna Taylor; Zoey Deutch · Cynthia Taylor; Mckenna Grace · Birdie Taylor; Dylan O'Brien · Josh Taylor; Daryl McCormack · Rob Thompson; Phoebe Dynevor · Liz Nettles
- Genres
- dystopian; political thriller
- Themes
- totalitarianism; corporate authoritarianism
- Tone and mood
- tense; bleak
- Setting
- A shifting American landscape transitioning into a totalitarian state over a period of several years.
- Premise and plot tags
- political thriller; dystopian fiction
- Reception
- The film received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising the ensemble cast's performances, particularly Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler, while debating the film's stance on its political themes.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 57 · scale: 100 · review count: 13
- Awards and nominations
- Satellite Award · Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was initially affected by the 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike.; The film was shot in Dublin, Ireland.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
Your lists
Loading your lists…