Key Takeaways
- A Legendary Return: Three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis has returned to the big screen after an eight-year hiatus, ending his widely reported retirement from acting.
- A Family Affair: He stars in the new film ‘Anemone,’ which marks the directorial debut of his 27-year-old son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The script was co-written by the father-son duo.
- Powerful Story: The film is an intense family drama about two estranged brothers, played by Day-Lewis and Sean Bean, who confront their past trauma in an isolated cabin.
- Critical Acclaim: Early reviews are praising Day-Lewis’s performance as a “standout of the year,” even as his son’s direction is described as promising yet showing some inexperience.
Legendary actor Daniel Day-Lewis, who announced his retirement from acting after 2017’s “Phantom Thread,” is making a stunning return to cinema. The celebrated actor stars in the new drama “Anemone,” a film that is already generating significant buzz, not just for his return, but for its unique family connection—it is the directorial debut of his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
A Surprising Return to the Silver Screen
After an eight-year absence that left many film enthusiasts believing they had seen his last performance, Daniel Day-Lewis is back. His decision to return was a surprise, especially as he chose a project helmed by his own son. “Anemone” is described as a shocking yet heartfelt film that showcases the raw talent that has made Day-Lewis one of the most revered actors of his generation. The intimate script, co-written by the father and son, reportedly feels “a little too real at times,” delving deep into complex emotions.
What is ‘Anemone’ About?
The film follows Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Jem (Sean Bean), two brothers who have been estranged for years. They reconnect at Ray’s remote cabin located deep in the English forests, where they are forced to confront their shared history and trauma. The story also involves Brian (Samuel Bottomley), who is Jem’s adopted son and, in a complicated twist, Ray’s biological son. At its core, “Anemone” explores profound themes of masculinity, trauma, and the unbreakable bonds between brothers and fathers and sons.
A Performance for the Ages
Unsurprisingly, early reviews are hailing Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance as the film’s standout element. Critics have noted his “calculated coldness” and “near-perfect line delivery” as he masterfully navigates the film’s emotional landscape. He reportedly delivers two powerful monologues that elevate the story to new heights, reminding audiences why his on-screen presence is considered undeniable. Paired with Sean Bean’s steady and subtle performance, Day-Lewis delivers a raw, human portrayal that critics say feels less like acting and more like watching a documentary unfold.
A Promising, If Divisive, Debut
While Day-Lewis’s acting is receiving universal acclaim, the film itself is being called a “divisive” standout. Ronan Day-Lewis’s direction is praised for its ambition, stellar cinematography, and meditative score, which create a rich, melancholic tone. However, some critics have pointed out that his inexperience is occasionally visible in predictable creative choices. Nonetheless, “Anemone” is being heralded as an intriguing and essential film of late 2025, driven by a legendary actor’s unforgettable return to his craft.
Image Referance: https://www.theeagleonline.com/article/2025/12/review-anemone-is-a-shocking-but-heartfelt-standout-of-late-2025