Daniel Day-Lewis has ended his eight-year retirement with a powerful return in the film Anemone. The film will premiere at the New York Film Festival from 26 September to 13 October.
This marks the acclaimed actor’s first onscreen role since 2017’s Phantom Thread.
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS RETURNS TO ACTING
The film is not just a comeback for Day-Lewis but also the feature directorial debut of his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. Ronana co-wrote the script alongside his father.
Anemone is described as a gripping family drama set in Northern England. It explores the tense and complex relationships among brothers, fathers, and sons, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS’ CHARACTER
The film focuses on the legacies of political and personal violence that continue to affect the characters. The story follows a middle-aged man, played by Sean Bean.
Bean’s character, who leaves his suburban home to enter the woods and reconnect with his estranged hermit brother, is played by Day-Lewis.
Their relationship is both strained and tender, shaped by traumatic events from their past in Anemone.
EMOTIONAL DEPTH AND PERFORMANCE
Anemone boasts strong supporting performances, including Samantha Morton and Samuel Bottomley. It also employs widescreen cinematography by Ben Fordesman that adds a striking visual element.
The emotional depth and detailed storytelling aim to chart a path toward familial redemption despite overwhelming challenges.
RETIRING FROM ACTING
Before this release, Daniel Day-Lewis had publicly announced his permanent retirement from acting, expressing a need to believe in the value of his work.
He said, “The work can seem vital. Irresistible, even. And if an audience believes it, that should be good enough for me. But, lately, it isn’t.”
His return to a project so closely tied to family highlights the significance of this film to him personally.
RETURN TO THE SCREEN
Day-Lewis’s reappearance on screen and the father-son collaboration make Anemone a must-watch for cinephiles.
As he put it, this film carries the weight of responsibility and personal meaning, promising a deeply emotional viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DANIEL DAY-LEWIS RETURNING TO ACTING AFTER EIGHT YEARS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.