AceShowbiz - Dylan O'Brien's latest sci-fi dystopian thriller Anniversary is set to debut on Hulu this Friday, March 13, following a quiet and disappointing theatrical release.

The film originally premiered in theaters on October 29, 2025, but struggled significantly at the box office. Despite featuring a notable cast including Dylan O'Brien, Phoebe Dynevor, Kyle Chandler, and Diane Lane, the movie only grossed just over $672,000 against a $7 million budget. This marks O'Brien's lowest theatrical earnings to date and represents a major financial failure for distributor Lionsgate.

Anniversary centers on the Taylor family, whose tense reunion is disrupted when the son's girlfriend, Liz (played by Dynevor), is revealed to be affiliated with The Change, a political movement pushing for a one-party system. The film’s title references the annual evolution of this movement.

While the movie’s box office was underwhelming, critical reception was generally positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, Anniversary holds a 67% critics score based on 67 reviews and a 78% audience rating from over 50 verified users. Reviewers praised the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and the depiction of The Change’s rise.

However, the poor box office performance led to accusations that Lionsgate intentionally limited the film’s exposure. The movie opened only in select theaters across the U.S. and received minimal marketing support, despite having a strong cast and timely political themes. Producer Nick Wechsler suggested that the film’s controversial political storyline, which involves a powerful group seeking to unify the country under a single ideology at deadly costs, contributed to the distributor’s reluctance to promote it widely.

Critics have also debated the film’s political messaging, with some arguing that Anniversary does not clearly define the ideology or goals of The Change, leaving its political commentary somewhat vague. Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding its limited release and the political nature of its plot has sparked interest in its upcoming streaming availability.

With the film arriving on Hulu, a broader audience will have the opportunity to watch and evaluate whether Anniversary deserved a wider theatrical release. Given its moderately positive reviews and the layered political storyline, the film is anticipated to attract viewers interested in dystopian narratives and political thrillers alike.

Directed by Jan Komasa and written by Lori Rosene-Gambino and Komasa, Anniversary features performances from Diane Lane as Ellen and Kyle Chandler as Paul, among others. The production team includes producers Kate Churchill, Nick Wechsler, and Steve Schwartz.

The film’s transition to streaming may revive interest and foster discussion on its themes, especially considering the debate it sparked over its theatrical fate. Fans of Dylan O'Brien and the dystopian genre will likely find Anniversary a compelling watch as it becomes more widely accessible.