Politics and family: a volatile mix. When ideologies clash, can relationships survive?
Film: Anniversary
Where to Watch: Catch it now in cinemas
Cast: Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Madeline Brewer, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor
Rating: 3/5 Stars
In a world where politics can divide even the closest of families, Jan Komasa's Anniversary delves into this sensitive topic, exploring the impact of political beliefs on personal relationships. But here's where it gets controversial: it does so without explicitly naming the political movements, leaving viewers to interpret and discuss.
I walked into the cinema with no prior knowledge, expecting a typical family drama. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a rollercoaster ride of political intrigue.
The film opens with a familiar scene: the 25th anniversary celebration of Ellen and Paul Taylor, a Georgetown professor and restaurateur, respectively. Their children and friends gather to celebrate, but an unexpected guest arrives - Liz, the new girlfriend of their son, Josh. This seemingly innocent introduction sets the stage for a complex exploration of relationships and ideologies.
Ellen, played by Diane Lane, and Liz, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor, have a tense meeting. As an overprotective mother, Ellen's initial concerns about her son's new girlfriend are understandable. But what follows is a unique twist on the classic "mom-meets-girlfriend" trope.
It turns out Liz was a former student of Ellen's, and their political differences had caused clashes in the past. Ellen is furious that Josh has connected with Liz, and a heated argument ensues, with Ellen claiming Liz is not what she seems.
As the story progresses, we learn that Liz and Josh have co-authored a book, "The Change: The New Social Contract." The book advocates for a no-party system, with an amended US flag on the cover, symbolizing the people at the center of governance. This political ideology, though not explicitly labeled, leaves room for interpretation and debate.
Initially, Liz's ideology seems to lean towards socialism, with its focus on people-led governance. However, as the "Change" gains popularity, it transforms into a form of corporate-run conservatism and autocracy, becoming the new governing law of the US. This evolution mirrors the complex political landscape we see today.
While the film skillfully connects these unlabeled concepts to real-life political tensions, it struggles to make viewers emotionally invested in the characters. The rapid timeline, with annual time jumps, leaves little room to truly understand and connect with each character's convictions.
This lack of emotional investment may be intentional, mirroring the sense of discomfort and disconnection often felt in real-life political discussions. Families, like the Taylors, engage in these intense conversations annually, with little time to truly understand each other's perspectives.
We get brief glimpses into the lives of Ellen and Paul's other children: Birdie, an environmentally conscious high school senior; Cynthia and her husband Rob, environmental lawyers; and Anna, a lesbian comic with ever-changing romantic interests. All three sisters share their parents' political beliefs, aligning with the average US Democrat or liberal voter.
As the "Change" gains momentum, it becomes a restrictive and controlling political movement, funded by a powerful tech corporation. Josh and Liz become the face of this movement, pushing them further away from their family and impacting the dynamics within the Taylor household.
The film takes a dark turn, depicting the brutal consequences for those who resist adopting this new political view. However, in real life, the risks are not as life-threatening, at least not yet.
Overall, Anniversary offers a thought-provoking exploration of politics and family. While it left me wanting more depth and resolution, it successfully sparks discussion and contemplation.
And this is the part most people miss: the beauty of this film lies in its open-ended nature, inviting viewers to interpret and engage in meaningful conversations about the state of politics and its impact on our personal lives.
What are your thoughts? Do you think the film successfully portrays the complexities of political beliefs and family dynamics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
