Daniel Day-Lewis's Acting Return in Son's New Film
Anemone, while featuring strong performances, did not fully meet my expectations. After an eight-year hiatus from acting, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis shows no loss of his remarkable talent. The film marks a confident directorial debut for his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who co-wrote the screenplay with his father.
Film Overview and Themes
Ronan Day-Lewis directs Anemone, a film now in cinemas, exploring complex relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. The story opens with a child’s drawings portraying the Troubles in Northern Ireland, setting a tone enriched by Ronan's assured style and musical flair.
Main Characters and Plot
- Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean portray estranged brothers, Ray and Jem, veterans of the British Army during the height of the conflict.
- Twenty years ago, Ray disappeared into the forest to live off-grid in solitude.
- 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 stepped into Ray’s role with Nessa and Brian since his disappearance.
Performance and Direction
The film is notable for its minimal dialogue during the first 30 minutes, a choice skillfully managed by Day-Lewis to develop character relationships and the atmospheric setting.
Sir Daniel Day-Lewis disputes that he ever officially ‘retired,’ despite his long absence from acting.
Summary
Anemone is a thoughtfully crafted drama that highlights the talents of both father and son, though its deliberate pace and thematic focus may not appeal to all viewers.
Author's résumé: Daniel Day-Lewis returns to screen in his son's assured directorial debut, a quietly intense story of fractured family bonds set against Northern Ireland's Troubles.