“The Last Anniversary” (2025) is a captivating blend of mystery, family drama, and emotional introspection—an adaptation that feels both irresistibly charming and quietly devastating. Based on Liane Moriarty’s beloved novel, the film (or series, depending on adaptation) brings the quirky, secret-filled island of Scribbly Gum to life with lush visuals, sharp humor, and performances that glow with humanity.
At the center of the story is Sophie, who unexpectedly inherits a house on the island—a place famous for its decades-old unsolved mystery: the disappearance of the Munro Baby’s parents. As Sophie settles into this eccentric community, she becomes entangled in the residents’ lives, discovering that behind every cheerful façade lies a secret, a sorrow, or a longing too heavy to say aloud.
The cast shines from top to bottom. The ensemble is vibrant and layered, delivering performances that balance wit with vulnerability. Sophie’s quiet emotional journey—from heartbreak to rediscovery—is handled with touching subtlety, while the island’s long-standing inhabitants bring both humor and tension that enrich every scene. Their relationships—messy, tender, and deeply human—give the story its heartbeat.
Visually, the film is warm and inviting: sunlit verandas, old houses filled with memories, and landscapes that echo both nostalgia and mystery. Yet beneath the beauty lies a complex emotional truth. The narrative explores motherhood, regret, love, and the weight of unspoken pain, capturing Moriarty’s signature mix of charm and melancholy.
“The Last Anniversary” succeeds not through explosive drama but through the richness of its characters and the slow unraveling of their intertwined lives. The famous island mystery is compelling, but the real surprise is how deeply the story touches on self-worth, forgiveness, and the quiet battles people carry.
Heartfelt, witty, and gently haunting, “The Last Anniversary” is a beautifully crafted tale that lingers long after the credits—reminding us that every family has secrets, and every secret has a story.
