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

Anemone, while featuring impressive performances, did not fully meet expectations. After an eight-year hiatus from acting and the public eye, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis retains his remarkable talent. The film marks a confident directorial debut for his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who co-wrote the project with his father.

A Family Collaboration Exploring Deep Themes

The film investigates complex relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. Ronan Day-Lewis directs with assurance, showcasing a flair for integrating music and visual storytelling. It opens with a child's drawings illustrating the Troubles in Northern Ireland, setting a poignant tone.

Plot and Characters

Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean star as estranged brothers, Ray and Jem.
Both served in the British Army during the Northern Irish conflict.
Ray has lived in isolation for 20 years after fleeing to the forest.
Jem searches for Ray to bring him back to his ex, Nessa (Samantha Morton), and their son Brian (Samuel Bottomley).
Jem has taken on Ray’s role within the family since his disappearance.

Atmosphere and Performance

The film's early scenes contain almost no dialogue for the first 30 minutes, a choice that Daniel Day-Lewis executes skillfully, allowing the audience to absorb character dynamics and settings quietly.

"You can understand why Day-Lewis Sr would be tempted back into performing with this (although he disputes that he ever officially ‘retired’)."

Author’s summary: Daniel Day-Lewis’s subtle yet powerful return alongside his son’s promising directorial debut creates a layered exploration of family and conflict, though it may challenge some viewers.

Metro — 2025-11-07