Anniversary, an upcoming American thriller directed by acclaimed Polish filmmaker Jan Komasa, is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Scheduled for release in theaters on October 29, 2025, the movie boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Dylan O’Brien, Phoebe Dynevor, Zoey Deutch, Mckenna Grace, Madeline Brewer, and Daryl McCormack. With a provocative storyline and intense family drama, Anniversary promises to deliver a cinematic experience that blends psychological suspense with raw human conflict.
The film centers on the Taylor family, led by Ellen (Diane Lane) and Paul (Kyle Chandler), whose close-knit bond is tested by the emergence of a controversial movement sweeping the nation, known only as “The Change.” Tensions escalate when Ellen’s former student, Liz (Phoebe Dynevor), reenters their lives and begins dating their son, Josh (Dylan O’Brien). As Liz becomes entwined with the family, her radical ideologies and connection to “The Change” bring simmering conflicts to the surface, threatening to tear the family apart. Set against a backdrop of national unrest, Anniversary explores themes of loyalty, identity, and societal division, holding “a mirror to our national identity crisis through the lens of one family,” as Lane has stated.
Directed by Jan Komasa, known for his Oscar-nominated Corpus Christi and the Tribeca-winning The Hater, Anniversary is brought to life by a screenplay from Lori Rosene-Gambino, based on an original story co-written by Komasa and Rosene-Gambino. The film is produced by Nick Wechsler, Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz, and Kate Churchill, with Lionsgate and Fifth Season collaborating for the first time on this project. Filming began in Dublin, Ireland, in July 2023, navigating challenges from the 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike with a waiver to complete production.
The film’s trailer hints at a dark and suspenseful narrative, with a dystopian twist that leaves audiences questioning the nature of “The Change.” Is it a political movement, a religious cult, or something else entirely? The chemistry between the cast, particularly Lane and Chandler, combined with Komasa’s skillful direction, promises a thrilling exploration of family dynamics under pressure. The film’s R rating for language, violence, drug use, and sexual references suggests a raw, unflinching story that doesn’t shy away from tough topics.
With its timely themes, powerhouse performances, and a director known for tackling complex human stories, Anniversary is shaping up to be a must-see thriller. Mark your calendars for October 29, 2025, and prepare for a cinematic journey that’s as thought-provoking as it is intense.
