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

Daniel Day-Lewis's Acting Return in Son's Film

Anemone, while featuring strong performances, differs from expectations. After eight years away from acting, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis demonstrates he has lost none of his remarkable skill. The film also marks an impressive feature debut for his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who directs and co-wrote the movie.

Film Overview and Themes

Anemone explores the complex relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. The story opens with children's drawings that reference the Troubles in Northern Ireland, establishing Ronan Day-Lewis’s confident directing style and effective use of music.

Plot Summary

Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean portray estranged brothers, Ray and Jem, both former British Army members during the conflict.
Twenty years prior, Ray retreated to live a solitary, off-grid life in the forest.
At the film’s start, Jem searches for Ray to bring him back to his ex, Nessa (Samantha Morton), and their troubled son Brian (Samuel Bottomley).
Jem has assumed Ray’s role in the family since Ray disappeared.

Acting and Direction

Daniel Day-Lewis masterfully handles the film’s quiet opening, where no dialogue is spoken for approximately 30 minutes, effectively establishing character dynamics and atmosphere.

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

Ronan Day-Lewis’s confident direction brings a unique flair, especially in his integration of music and visual storytelling.

Summary

Anemone is a thoughtful exploration of family bonds against the backdrop of historical conflict, showcasing both Daniel Day-Lewis's enduring talent and Ronan Day-Lewis’s promising directorial debut.

Author’s Conclusion

This film proves that Daniel Day-Lewis’s legendary skill remains intact, while his son’s debut direction impressively captures complex family dynamics through a bold artistic vision.

Metro — 2025-11-07