Daniel Day-Lewis Ends Retirement in Son’s Bleak Drama ‘Anemone’

Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis has ended his eight-year retirement from acting. He returns in the new film “Anemone,” directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The movie is a stark family drama exploring themes of trauma and redemption.

The project marks the feature directorial debut for Ronan Day-Lewis. According to Reuters, the father-son duo also co-wrote the script. This collaboration brings one of cinema’s most revered actors back to the screen.

A Somber Story of Brotherhood and Trauma

Day-Lewis plays Ray, a recluse living an ascetic life in the woods. His brother Jem, a religious man, seeks him out after two decades apart. The reunion is prompted by troubles facing Ray’s teenage son, Brian.

The film slowly reveals the trauma that drove the brothers apart. Both were soldiers during the Northern Ireland conflict. They also suffered a violent childhood in the care system. A horrific, shared event from their past continues to haunt them.

A Powerful Return for a Screen Legend

The film provides a powerful platform for Day-Lewis’s talents. He delivers two stunning monologues that anchor the narrative. One is a shockingly scatological account of revenge on a childhood abuser.

The other is a searing confession of a wartime atrocity. In this speech, Ray recounts the moment he killed a young boy. This event has crippled him with guilt for twenty years, leading to his self-imposed exile.

The return of Daniel Day-Lewis is a significant moment for cinema. His performance in “Anemone” reaffirms his status as a master of his craft. This Daniel Day-Lewis comeback is a powerful, if challenging, cinematic event.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the movie “Anemone” about?

“Anemone” is a drama about two estranged brothers reuniting after twenty years. They are forced to confront a shared trauma from their past as soldiers. The film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption.

Why did Daniel Day-Lewis come out of retirement?

He returned to star in a film directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The project was a family collaboration, as they also co-wrote the script. The personal nature of the film likely influenced his decision.

How long was Daniel Day-Lewis retired?

The actor was absent from the screen for eight years. He announced his retirement from acting in 2017. His last role before “Anemone” was in the 2017 film “Phantom Thread.”

What is the critical response to the film?

Early reports suggest a strong performance from Day-Lewis anchors the film. The movie itself is described as bleak and sometimes opaque. It is considered a challenging but compelling watch.

Who else stars in the film alongside Day-Lewis?

The film focuses on a small cast of central characters. The other main actors play his brother Jem and his former partner Nessa. The dynamic between the brothers drives the narrative forward.