Anemone: A New Thriller Drama by Daniel Day-Lewis
Anemone, the first film from three-time Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis in eight years, has finally premiered in cinemas after much anticipation. Co-written by Daniel Day-Lewis together with his son and director Ronan Day-Lewis, the movie offers a gripping family drama with elements of thriller and horror.
Plot Overview
The story follows Jem Stoker (Sean Bean, known for Game of Thrones) as he solemnly prays for strength before bidding farewell to his wife, Nessa (Oscar-nominee Samantha Morton, In America), and speeding off on his motorbike. Jem heads to an isolated shack in the Yorkshire woods where his older, reclusive brother Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis) lives. The brothers, apart for 20 years, share a cold and tense reunion filled with long silences.
As the two-hour film progresses, it unfolds why Jem sought out Ray and reveals the reasons behind Ray's self-imposed isolation.
Atmosphere and Style
From the very beginning, Anemone commands a powerful tone. The pacing is deliberate, carefully revealing character motivations and plot points. The film’s dark mood is enhanced by Ben Fordesman’s somber cinematography and Bobby Krlic’s evocative, hard-to-define score.
The intense and mysterious performances, paired with Ronan Day-Lewis' distinctive directorial style, build an atmosphere thick with suspense and dread.
“Anemone has such a strong command of tone… combining mystery, dread and suspense.”
Cast Highlights
- Daniel Day-Lewis as Ray, the reclusive brother
- Sean Bean as Jem Stoker, the visiting brother
- Samantha Morton as Nessa, Jem’s wife
The collaboration between Daniel Day-Lewis and his son Ronan results in a unique and atmospheric cinematic experience.
Author's summary: Anemone is a meticulously paced thriller-drama blending family tension with eerie suspense, showcasing Daniel Day-Lewis’s powerful return to the screen alongside compelling performances and atmospheric direction.