Exploring the Haunting Family Drama of ‘Anemone’ Starring Daniel Day-Lewis
Movie Review: Bleak family drama ‘Anemone’ featuring Daniel Day-Lewis
It’s often remarked that the most talented actors possess the ability to captivate audiences, even reciting mundane texts like a phone book with flair.
There’s no denying that Daniel Day-Lewis is a prime contender for the title of greatest living actor. In “Anemone,” a bleak yet engaging film directed by his son Ronan, he makes a poignant return to the screen after an eight-year hiatus. Many fans had hoped his retirement announcement was exaggerated, and thankfully, it seems that may be the case.
In this film, Day-Lewis portrays Ray, a bitter recluse caught in a web of solitude. One powerful monologue leaves a lasting impression — a shocking tale that blends revolting details with fascinating storytelling. Such complexity is well within Day-Lewis’s capabilities.
The title “Anemone” references a flower observed in the rich woodlands where Ray leads his austere lifestyle. The plot slowly reveals Ray’s motivations for isolation, beginning with unsettling children’s drawings that hint at a troubled past.
Ray and his brother Jem are both depicted as veterans of the Northern Ireland conflict, burdened by a traumatic childhood in care homes. Their paths diverged due to an undisclosed trauma, with Jem finding solace in religion and family life, while Ray lives in solitude.
The narrative sparks as Jem visits Ray, motivated by the struggles of his teenage son, Brian. The film’s cinematography, handled by Ben Fordesman, beautifully conveys the unpredictability of nature, especially during a dramatic hailstorm.
The film takes its time to unravel the brothers’ buried past. During their interactions, like swimming or dancing, Ray begins to share his burdens. His chilling tale of revenge against a priest shows the depth of his trauma, culminating in a powerful confession that highlights his inner turmoil.
Will Ray find the path to reconnect with his son? The artistic parallels in the film reflect a son bringing his father, the actor, back into the spotlight for all to appreciate. It’s a hopeful narrative, leaving audiences wondering if Day-Lewis will persist in his comeback.
“Anemone,” distributed by Focus Films, has received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association for its language and runs for a total of 121 minutes, earning two and a half stars out of four.
What are your thoughts on Daniel Day-Lewis’s return in “Anemone”?
