Entertainment · Film · 1 day ago
‘The Birthday’ follows a family under a rising authoritarian movement
The film begins at a party for Ellen and Paul Taylor’s 25th wedding anniversary, where their son Josh brings his girlfriend, Liz.
Ellen, a professor at Georgetown University, has challenged Liz’s support for a one-party state, and the two women clash.
Over the next five years, Liz and Josh’s book, “The Change: The New Social Contract,” gains influence as the movement called Change shapes US politics.
A video of Ellen attacking a Change flag goes viral, and she later leaves Georgetown.
The movement also affects the rest of the family, including Anna, one of Ellen and Paul’s daughters, who is beaten after criticizing it at a comedy show and then disappears.
The film, directed by Jan Komasa and starring Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler as Ellen and Paul, uses the family’s story to explore authoritarianism and political divisions.
The review says the film’s thriller elements work better than its political discussion, which it finds underdeveloped.
The Birthday portrays the rise of a conservative movement called Change and its effects on the Taylor family.
The story begins at Ellen and Paul Taylor’s 25th wedding anniversary, where their son Josh brings his new girlfriend, Liz.
Liz has defended a one-party state in an academic paper, prompting a clash with Ellen, a liberal professor at Georgetown University.
The film follows the next five years as Change gains political influence and the family faces its consequences.
Anna, one of Ellen and Paul’s daughters, is beaten after criticizing the movement during a comedy show and later flees.
- Who
- The Taylor family, including Ellen, Paul, Josh and their daughters, and Josh’s girlfriend Liz.
- What
- The film follows the family as the conservative Change movement grows in influence and affects their lives.
- When
- The story begins at Ellen and Paul’s 25th wedding anniversary and then follows the next five years.
- Where
- The story is set in the United States, including Georgetown University.
- Why
- The movement’s growing influence and its effects on the family drive the story.
Change movement supporters
Taylor family members opposing the movement
Political ideas
Change movement supporters
Liz advocates a one-party state in an academic paper.
Taylor family members opposing the movement
Ellen openly challenges Liz’s work.
Public criticism
Change movement supporters
A viral video shows Ellen attacking a Change movement flag.
Taylor family members opposing the movement
Anna criticizes the movement during a comedy show.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Josh brings Liz to Ellen and Paul’s 25th wedding anniversary, where tensions emerge between Liz and Ellen.
Change becomes increasingly influential in the country’s political direction.
A video of Ellen attacking a Change movement flag goes viral, later leading to her leaving Georgetown.
Anna is beaten after criticizing the movement, then flees.
- Anniversary
- Ellen and Paul Taylor’s 25th wedding anniversary
- Movement
- Change
- University
- Georgetown University
- Time span
- The five years following the anniversary party
- Anna
- Beaten after criticizing the movement during a comedy show
Sources
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