Watch The Anniversary

The Anniversary is a 2001 film that follows the life of a dysfunctional family trying to celebrate their matriarch's forty-second wedding anniversary while dealing with their own issues. The film is directed by Valerie Landsburg and revolves around the characters of Tom (Alan Cumming), his wife Lila (Jennifer Jason Leigh), and his sister Mary (Phoebe Cates), all of whom are facing challenges in their personal lives.

The story follows the family as they gather at their mother's house to celebrate her milestone anniversary. Tom is a twenty-nine-year-old unemployed musician who is struggling with his own identity and his relationship with Lila, who is dealing with her own feelings of inadequacy as a new mother. Mary, on the other hand, is a struggling artist who is trying to find her place in the world while dealing with the death of her father.

As the story unfolds, we get to see the complexities of the family's dynamics and relationships. Each character has their own set of issues that they are dealing with, and the anniversary celebration only heightens the tensions between them. We see Tom struggling with his sexuality, while Lila is trying to balance her career with her newfound motherhood. Mary, on the other hand, is struggling with finding her voice as an artist and dealing with her own feelings of inadequacy.

The film's direction is poignant and introspective as it delves into the family's past, revealing secrets that have been buried for years. The film's storyline manages to balance both drama and humor, with several scenes that are both heartfelt and humorous.

The performances of the lead actors are commendable, with Alan Cumming's portrayal of Tom being a standout. Cumming captures the character's vulnerability and confusion, making Tom's struggles relatable to the audience. Jennifer Jason Leigh's portrayal of Lila is also impressive, with the actress managing to showcase the character's frustration and vulnerability with ease. Phoebe Cates also delivers a nuanced performance as Mary, capturing the character's pain and grief.

Overall, The Anniversary is a moving and insightful film that explores the intricacies of family relationships. The film's direction, storyline, and performances are all top-notch, making it a must-watch for fans of drama and human emotions.