Anemone: A Tense New Thriller Drama
Anemone, the first film from three-time Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis in eight years, has finally arrived in cinemas after much anticipation. Co-written by Day-Lewis himself alongside his son and director Ronan Day-Lewis, the film opens with Jem Stoker (Sean Bean, Game of Thrones) praying solemnly for strength before bidding farewell to his wife, Nessa (Oscar-nominee Samantha Morton, In America), and speeding away on a motorbike.
Jem’s destination is a remote shack in the Yorkshire woods where his estranged older brother, Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis), who has lived in self-imposed exile for 20 years, resides. Their reunion is cold and tense, marked by long silences. Over the movie’s two-hour runtime, the reasons behind Jem’s visit and Ray’s isolation gradually unfold.
Atmosphere and Style
This family drama blends thriller and horror elements, maintaining a strong and deliberate tone throughout. The pacing is slow, carefully revealing character motivations and vital details.
- Ben Fordesman’s cinematography creates a gloomy, haunting visual style.
- Bobby Krlic’s moody, hard-to-classify score heightens the tension.
- Ronan Day-Lewis’s directing adds distinctive and intense flourishes.
- The performances are enigmatic and compelling, enhancing the film’s mysterious atmosphere.
"Anemone creates a thick air of mystery, dread and suspense."
The film’s careful blend of mood, narrative depth, and character intensity ensures a gripping experience that lingers long after viewing.
Author’s summary: Anemone powerfully combines family drama with thriller and horror, delivering a suspenseful story marked by strong performances, striking visuals, and haunting music.