Anniversary movie: Cast, plot, and release date
Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler lead new thriller Anniversary. Credit: Lionsgate
Hollywood is turning its attention to Anniversary movie, a chilling new thriller that has already captured buzz with its first trailer. The film features an ensemble cast led by Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler, playing Ellen and Paul Taylor, a married couple whose family is pushed to the brink. Their son, played by Dylan O’Brien, becomes romantically involved with Liz (Phoebe Dynevor of Bridgerton fame), a mysterious figure whose arrival begins to unravel the Taylors’ world.
Supporting the leads are Zoey Deutch, McKenna Grace, Daryl McCormack, and Madeline Brewer, best known for her chilling role in The Handmaid’s Tale. This combination of veteran stars and rising talent ensures Anniversary appeals to a wide audience, from fans of prestige drama to younger moviegoers.
The Plot: Family, Betrayal, and “The Change”
At its core, Anniversary is a story about a family caught in the turmoil of a larger national crisis. Ellen (Lane) and Paul (Chandler) live seemingly ordinary lives until Ellen’s former student Liz (Dynevor) reenters the picture. Her relationship with their son (O’Brien) quickly destabilizes the family dynamic, but Liz’s role in a rising movement known as “The Change” makes things far more dangerous.
According to the official synopsis, “The Change” is a controversial and rapidly spreading movement that forces families and entire communities to question their loyalties. As Liz integrates into the Taylor family, tensions rise, secrets surface, and loyalties are tested just as the nation teeters on the edge of collapse.
The trailer reinforces this dystopian tone with striking imagery, altered American flags, whispered secrets, and Phoebe Dynevor’s unsettling presence. What begins as a sleek domestic thriller evolves into something much darker, raising questions about whether “The Change” is religious, political, or something else entirely.
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Release Date and Why It’s Generating Buzz
Anniversary is set to hit theaters on October 29, 2025, distributed by Roadside Attractions. Its fall release date positions it both as a suspenseful Halloween-season thriller and as a potential awards contender.
Critics and fans are already noting the movie’s timely themes, from questions about loyalty and truth to its portrayal of media manipulation and political unrest. With its combination of star power, a thought-provoking premise, and a trailer that reveals just enough to intrigue without spoiling the plot, Anniversary is shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about films.
Whether you’re drawn by Diane Lane’s commanding performance, Kyle Chandler’s steady presence, or Phoebe Dynevor’s unsettling turn as Liz, Anniversary promises to deliver both high-stakes drama and thought-provoking social commentary.
With a powerhouse cast, a chilling narrative, and a release timed for maximum impact, Anniversary movie stands out as a must-watch thriller of 2025. As audiences wait for answers about “The Change” and its true meaning, one thing is certain: this film will spark conversations long after the credits roll.