Daniel Day-Lewis Returns in Son's Film "Anemone"
Anemone, while boasting strong performances, did not fully meet expectations. After an eight-year break from acting, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis has retained his remarkable talent. The film also marks a confident feature debut for his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who directed and co-wrote it alongside his father.
Behind the Scenes
Ronan Day-Lewis’s direction displays a distinctive style, especially through his creative use of music. The film explores complex family dynamics between fathers, sons, and brothers.
"You can understand why Day-Lewis Sr would be tempted back into performing with this (although he disputes that he ever officially ‘retired’)."
Plot Overview
The story opens with a child’s drawings depicting the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Daniel Day-Lewis stars alongside Sean Bean as estranged brothers Ray and Jem, both veterans of the British Army during the conflict. Two decades ago, Ray retreated to live in solitude in the forest.
At the film’s start, Jem embarks on a mission to find Ray and bring him back to his ex-wife Nessa (Samantha Morton) and their troubled son Brian (Samuel Bottomley). Jem has been filling in for Ray’s role with the family since his disappearance.
Atmospheric Storytelling
The film notably features the first 30 minutes with almost no dialogue, a choice handled skillfully by Day-Lewis to subtly reveal the characters’ relationships and setting.
"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."
Summary
“Anemone” showcases Daniel Day-Lewis’s enduring acting prowess and introduces Ronan Day-Lewis as a promising filmmaker, though its unconventional style may not appeal to all viewers.