Today, I am talking about the movie Anniversary which was released on October 29, 2025.

Now, I know what you are thinking. You’re thinking – ‘Megan, I have never heard of this movie. How have I not heard of movie that was released almost 5 months ago?’ Well, dear reader, I will tell you. If you have not heard of this movie, it’s because it was so epically, poorly marketed that the only people that even knew it was coming were superfans of the stars of the movie.

I am one of these people. As a huge fan of Dylan O’Brien and Zoey Deutch, I watch their careers closely. So, I knew this movie was coming when it was being filmed. I knew it was coming before it ever had a distributor. And I am so glad I did.

Billed as a dystopian, political thriller, Anniversary is a subtle slide from idyllic to unhinged.

We start as the Taylor family is preparing to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of Paul (Kyle Chandler) and Ellen (Diane Lane). Paul is a restaurant owner, and Ellen is a professor at Georgetown. They have organized this celebration, and it is made more special as all four of their kids will be home for it.

And boy, their kids are interesting. Cynthia (Zoey Deutch), an environmental lawyer, arrives with her husband – and law partner – Rob (Daryl McCormack). Anna (Madeline Brewer), a successful stand-up comedian and free spirit, arrives and immediately goes for the champagne. Josh (Dylan O’Brien), the only son and a struggling writer, arrives with his new girlfriend, Liz (Phoebe Dynevor). Still living at home is young Birdie (McKenna Grace), an aspiring scientist.

It’s not hard to figure out that Liz is the catalyst for everything that is about to happen. Right away, she gives off an aura of being too polite and too polished. She is fake with a capital F. Josh’s mom and sisters see it right away. One of the funniest moments of the movie is watching the three sisters gossip about Josh and Liz as they watch the couple talk to their parents.

There is obvious tension between Josh and his mom. You can see it in the way they look at each other, the way they hug. There’s a divide there, and that is going to come into play soon.

Twenty minutes into the movie and the familiar cracks are already showing. Anniversary isn’t wasting time getting to the drama. And I am here for it. I am not a big fan of slow burns because the burn ends up being too slow and I lose interest before we ever get to the good stuff. Thank the gods Anniversary chooses not to fall into this trap.

Ellen is on the computer researching Josh’s girlfriend – as any good mother will do when her son brings home someone that is just too perfect. Outside, Anna isn’t beating around the bush and she calls out Josh and Liz and the picture they’re trying to present. It didn’t take long for Anna to become my favorite character.

The next day on a family walk, Ellen pulls Josh aside to express her concerns about Liz and their relationship. Josh, being completely taken with Liz, is not listening. For everything Ellen says, Josh has a comeback – whether it is valid or not. The conversation ends in an argument and Josh stalking off.

Before they leave, Josh and Ellen hug it out. It’s awkward, but points to both for trying. Not to be outdone, Liz hands Ellen an anniversary gift that is from her and Josh. Ellen thanks her but doesn’t open it until later. When she does, it turns out to be a book called The Change: The New Social Contract. And Ellen has a visceral reaction that manifests in oh-no-she-didn't laughter.

So what’s the big deal about Liz and the book? Turns out Liz was a student of Ellen’s years ago. Liz presented her with a thesis on totalitarian ideals and advocating for a one-party system. Ellen was less than kind about the paper, leaving Liz humiliated and leaving school. The book that Liz gives Ellen… you guessed it. It’s that paper in all its hardback and published glory.

Over the next few years the book becomes more than a hit. Together with carefully worded speeches by Liz and a partnership with Cumberland Corporation, the book becomes a way of life. Most of America is swayed into “The Change” party and Liz and Josh find themselves leaders of the movement and very well off — as most cult leaders are.

Because there is no other word for what is happening. It’s a cult.

Josh, having finally found a place that makes him feel powerful and not like he is at the bottom looking up, runs with it. But you know who doesn’t convert? The rest of the Taylor family.

They resist so much that their own son makes them a target. Ellen loses her job at the university and is blacklisted. Paul has to sell the restaurant. Cynthia and Rob split up after Rob crosses to the dark side. Birdie gives up her dream of being a scientist and becomes an activist. Anna speaks out during a stand-up show and disappears after being threatened.

For two years the family doesn’t know if Anna is alive or dead — until Ellen is secretly shown a video revealing she is alive. The video is delivered by Josh and Liz’s nanny… who turns out to be a resistance spy. A twist I absolutely loved.

Josh eventually keeps his parents and sisters prisoners in their own home, monitored by drones and government census agents. Birdie is threatened with jail after attending a protest. Paul refuses to join “The Change,” but Ellen eventually caves to protect what little remains of her family.

The transformation of Josh is terrifying. Watching him evolve from a slightly awkward writer into a cult leader perfectly shows how power can corrupt someone.

Five years later Josh throws a 30th anniversary party for his parents. But this party is not about them. It’s another stage for him to flaunt his power.

Then everything explodes — literally.

Birdie, now working as an intern at Cumberland Corporation, walks into the building and blows it up… herself included.

From there the Taylor family collapses completely.

The movie finally found a streaming home on Hulu and premiered there on March 13, 2026.

I highly recommend it… but only if you’re brave enough to take a closer look at yourself.