‘Anniversary’ Feels Like a Real-World Extension of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ [Exclusive]

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The popular dystopian series The Handmaid’s Tale ended in 2025, wrapping up the intense story of June Osborne and her fight to escape the oppressive regime of Gilead. While the show centered on June’s experiences, Madeline Brewer’s portrayal of Janine was also a standout. Janine endured some of the worst consequences of Gilead’s cruel laws, and the writers thankfully gave her character a hopeful conclusion. Brewer recently shared that her new film, Anniversary – another dystopian thriller – feels like a fitting next step, building on themes from the series based on Margaret Atwood’s novel.

Actress Brewer recently spoke with Joe Deckelmeier at MovieWeb about her role in the new film Anniversary, directed by Jan Komasa, who is known for his films Corpus Christi and The Hater. Anniversary centers on a family grappling with upheaval as a new social movement gains traction. Brewer plays Anna, a family member who experiences the group’s downfall. When asked if the film’s story felt uncomfortably relevant to the current state of free speech in the country, she responded:

I was discussing this with our director, Jan Komasa. The idea for the film originated back in 2018, but we didn’t actually film it until 2023. Now, it feels increasingly insightful – and sadly, or perhaps fortunately – very relevant to what’s happening today. I was trying to find a better way to put it, but ‘relevant’ seems like the most accurate word.

I’m incredibly fortunate to work on projects that resonate with people and become cultural touchstones, like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ which has grown far beyond the show itself. It’s rewarding to see this align with the kind of work I want to be known for – projects that spark important conversations and go beyond simple entertainment. For me, this type of work is a powerful form of activism.

Madeline Brewer Connects ‘Anniversary’s Anna to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’s Janine

Despite appearing very different, Anna and Janine both grapple with the same heavy burden of living under a cruel and oppressive system – a situation that unfortunately feels all too plausible. Thankfully, the actress believes Janine ultimately experiences a more positive outcome.

I was just discussing how unique these two groups are, initially thinking they had nothing in common. But I realized that’s not true. They both face significant hardship and actively fight against it, though their struggles and displays of courage look quite different given their distinct circumstances. Despite these differences, they share a powerful, unwavering spirit.

I’m incredibly proud of both Anna and Janine. They both fight against the system, but in very different ways. Anna is outspoken, bold, and doesn’t hold back, while Janine resists by fiercely protecting her inner self and refusing to be broken. Janine is much quieter, though she does have moments of defiant language. Despite everything, she always manages to find a glimmer of hope, and that hope itself is a form of strength. They may seem very different, but they both ultimately strive for the same thing, and Janine’s story has a more positive outcome.

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2025-11-06 02:48