Daniel Day-Lewis's acting return in son's new film turned my stomach

Daniel Day-Lewis's Acting Return in Son's New Film Turned My Stomach

The film Anemone features outstanding performances but diverges from expectations. After eight years away from acting, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis demonstrates that his immense talent remains intact, and this project reveals that artistry may indeed be a family trait.

Directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, Anemone marks his confident feature debut. Co-written with his father, the film delves into the intricate relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. It’s clear why Day-Lewis Sr. would feel drawn back to the screen, though he maintains he never officially retired. Still, the film might not suit every viewer.

"Opening on a child’s drawings depicting the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Ronan Day-Lewis’s confident style and flair for playing with music is immediately established."

Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean portray estranged brothers, Ray and Jem, who both served in the British Army during the Northern Ireland conflict. Two decades earlier, Ray withdrew to live alone in the forest, separated from society. The story begins as Jem embarks on a journey to find his brother and bring him back to Ray’s former partner Nessa, played by Samantha Morton, and her troubled son Brian (Samuel Bottomley). Since Ray’s disappearance, Jem has quietly stepped into his brother’s place in their lives.

Notably, the film’s first thirty minutes unfold without dialogue—a bold creative choice deftly executed by Day-Lewis, allowing the viewer to absorb the emotional weight of the relationships and the tone of the world being built.

Author's Summary

A reflective drama exploring fractured family bonds, Anemone showcases Daniel Day-Lewis’s enduring brilliance and his son’s striking directorial debut.

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Metro Metro — 2025-11-07

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