Anniversary is a tense family drama built around a single gathering that slowly turns uncomfortable. The story follows a wealthy and influential family coming together to celebrate an anniversary, but beneath the polite smiles and formal setting, long buried secrets and power dynamics begin to surface. What starts as a controlled event gradually becomes a quiet emotional confrontation.
The film relies heavily on dialogue and atmosphere rather than plot twists. Conversations are loaded with subtext, and every character seems to be hiding something. The tension comes from what is not said as much as what is said. The setting feels cold and calculated, reinforcing the emotional distance between the characters.
The cast delivers controlled and restrained performances. Diane Lane brings authority and emotional weight to her role, while Kyle Chandler plays his part with quiet intensity. Zoey Deutch stands out among the younger cast, adding tension and unpredictability. The performances feel deliberate, sometimes distant, but always measured.
The film is directed by Jan Komasa, who leans into control and restraint rather than emotional release. His direction keeps the film tight and serious, but it can also feel heavy and overly careful. At times, the film feels more interested in maintaining its mood than letting emotions fully explode.
Critics were mixed on Anniversary. Some praised its atmosphere, performances, and psychological tension. Others felt it was too cold, too slow, and emotionally distant. It is a film that asks for patience and attention, but whether it rewards that patience depends on how much you connect with its characters. For me, it was interesting and well made, but it never fully pulled me in emotionally.
I personally enjoyed most of it, and it was honestly a really good surprise. I did not expect the film to work as well as it did, but the tension, performances, and slow reveal kept me engaged. Even when it felt cold or distant, it remained interesting, and by the end, it left a stronger impression than I expected.