Anniversary (2025): A Bold New Political Thriller by Jan Komasa

Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler star in Jan Komasa’s political thriller Anniversary, set for release on October 29, 2025.

Jan Komasa Returns with “Anniversary” — A Powerful New Political Thriller Set for October 2025 Release

Hollywood is gearing up for the release of Anniversary, a highly anticipated political thriller directed by Polish filmmaker Jan Komasa, known for Corpus Christi. The movie, featuring an all-star cast led by Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler, is set to hit theaters on October 29, 2025, under Lionsgate Films.

Anniversary marks Jan Komasa’s ambitious entry into English-language cinema, promising a tense and emotionally charged narrative. Produced by Nick Wechsler, Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz, and Kate Churchill, the film brings together a powerhouse ensemble including Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor, Mckenna Grace, Daryl McCormack, and Dylan O’Brien.

The story centers around a family whose Thanksgiving gathering takes a dark turn as long-hidden secrets, political divisions, and moral dilemmas rise to the surface. While plot details remain tightly guarded, early reviews suggest a gripping mix of suspense, emotional tension, and social commentary.

Background and Production:
The project was first announced in May 2023, when Komasa teamed up with screenwriter Lori Rosene-Gambino to craft the screenplay. Filming began in Dublin, Ireland, in July 2023, and despite temporary delays caused by the 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike, production continued under a special waiver granted later that year.

The film’s cinematography is handled by Piotr Sobociński Jr., with editing by Michał Czarnecki and a haunting score composed by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans. Together, they create an atmospheric tone that enhances the movie’s political and psychological themes.

Reception and Reviews:
Although Anniversary has yet to be released, early festival screenings and critic previews have generated mixed yet intrigued reactions. Rory O’Connor of The Film Stage described the movie as “relentlessly watchable — a high-tension drama that feels like a battering ram.” He praised Komasa’s direction and the strong performances from Lane, Chandler, and Dynevor, though he noted occasional tonal inconsistencies.

In contrast, Pavel Snapkou of Showbiz by PS called the film “a safe yet tone-deaf political thriller,” criticizing its attempt to balance too many themes at once. Still, he commended the powerful performances and praised a climactic Thanksgiving dinner scene that reportedly leaves audiences stunned.

With its stellar cast and the vision of an internationally acclaimed director, Anniversary is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of late 2025. Whether it wins audiences over or divides opinions, one thing is certain — Jan Komasa’s latest work won’t go unnoticed.