Daniel Day-Lewis's Acting Return in Son's Film
Anemone, despite strong performances, did not fully meet expectations. After an eight-year hiatus, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis returns to acting, showcasing the same remarkable talent. The film also marks a confident feature debut for his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who directed and co-wrote the project with his father.
Film Overview
Anemone delves into complex relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. It opens with a child’s drawings depicting the Troubles in Northern Ireland, setting the tone through Ronan Day-Lewis’s assured directing style and creative use of music.
Plot Summary
- Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean portray estranged brothers, Ray and Jem, former British Army soldiers during the Troubles.
- Ray escaped 20 years ago to live off-grid in the forest.
- Jem seeks out Ray to return him to his ex-wife Nessa (Samantha Morton) and their troubled son Brian (Samuel Bottomley), having taken over Ray’s role within the family after his disappearance.
Acting and Atmosphere
“That nobody speaks for the first 30 minutes or so of the film is deftly handled by Day-Lewis, as relationships and settings are established.”
The deliberate silence early on intensifies the emotional weight, while performances capture muted tension and fractured family dynamics.
Summary
The film suggests a legacy of talent within the Day-Lewis family but is a challenging watch, not suited to all audiences.
Author’s Conclusion
This film boldly explores family bonds through a gripping, restrained narrative enriched by Daniel Day-Lewis’s magnetic return and his son’s confident direction.