Polish director Jan Komasa is making waves again with his latest film, “Anniversary.” While many know him from the Oscar-nominated “Corpus Christi,” he found earlier success with “Warsaw 44,” which dives into the dramatic events of World War II. In “Anniversary,” he takes a different approach, exploring how authoritarianism can sneak in rather than come in with a loud bang.
The film follows the Taylor family over five years as their peaceful life transforms into something far darker. It’s a disquieting look at how quickly society can shift. You’ll meet Ellen, a professor at Georgetown, and her husband Paul, a chef. They have four kids, each unique in their aspirations—ranging from an environmental lawyer to a struggling writer.
When Josh, their son, introduces his new girlfriend Liz, tensions rise. Liz comes across as polished and perfect—almost too perfect. Ellen’s past with Liz adds strain, particularly because Liz has written a controversial book advocating for a single-party system. Ellen fears what Liz’s ideas might mean not just for her family, but for society as a whole.
Fast forward two years, and the changes are palpable. Liz is now a public figure aligned with an unknown organization, pushing new values and norms onto the community. The film emphasizes a chilling truth: when we ignore the small signs of shifting ideologies, we might invite danger right into our homes.
Some viewers might wonder what Liz’s beliefs are that provoke such fear. She promotes a seemingly benevolent “solidarity” but leads the charge towards a harsh regime that undermines freedom. This sets a stark backdrop for the movie, suggesting that the specifics of ideology matter less than our capacity to hurt one another.
Critics have noted a trend in recent films portraying threats as feminine. This is seen in works like “Tár” and “After the Hunt.” “Anniversary” adds to this narrative, showing a seemingly harmless woman as the harbinger of change, even as her male counterpart shows the heightened effects of her influence.
The film resonates with current events in today’s political landscape. Recent surveys show rising concerns around freedom of speech and civil liberties, with a significant percentage of Americans feeling that their voices are often silenced. The portrayal in “Anniversary” serves as a reminder that in the face of creeping authoritarianism, vigilance is crucial.
Ultimately, “Anniversary” is less about giving warnings and more about asking tough questions. As we watch the Taylor family navigate their changing world, the film underscores how quickly safety can morph into surveillance and oppression. It’s a chilling but necessary exploration of the balance between comfort and complicity.
Source link
