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

Daniel Day-Lewis’s Return to Acting in Son’s Film

Anemone, while featuring strong performances, didn’t fully meet my expectations. After eight years away from acting, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis retains his remarkable talent. This film also marks a confident directorial debut from his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who co-wrote the script with his father.

Film Overview and Themes

Directed by Ronan Day-Lewis, now showing in cinemas, Anemone delves into the complex relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. The story begins with a child’s drawings portraying the Troubles in Northern Ireland, immediately showcasing Ronan’s assured style and his skillful use of music.

Plot and Characters

Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean play estranged brothers, Ray and Jem.
Both served in the British Army during the height of the Troubles.
Twenty years ago, Ray fled to live a solitary, off-grid life in the forest.
At the start of the film, Jem seeks out Ray to bring him back to his ex, Nessa (Samantha Morton), and their troubled son, Brian (Samuel Bottomley).
Since Ray’s departure, Jem has assumed his role within the family.

Performance and Style

The film’s first 30 minutes, where no dialogue is spoken, are skillfully portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis. His performance silently establishes the characters’ relationships and the setting, demonstrating his mastery despite years away from the screen.

“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

This film showcases a powerful family collaboration, with Daniel Day-Lewis’s return revealing his undiminished talent under the direction of his promising son, Ronan.

Metro — 2025-11-07

Daniel Day-Lewis’s Return to Acting in Son’s Film

Film Overview and Themes

Plot and Characters

Performance and Style

Author’s Summary

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