Anemone: A Highly Anticipated New Thriller Drama
After an eight-year break, three-time Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis returns with Anemone, now showing in cinemas. Co-written by Day-Lewis and his son, director Ronan Day-Lewis, the film mixes family drama with thriller and horror elements.
Plot Overview
The story opens with Jem Stoker (Sean Bean) praying for strength before leaving his wife Nessa (Oscar-nominee Samantha Morton) and riding off on a motorbike. His destination is a secluded shack in the Yorkshire woods, where his estranged brother Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis) has lived in isolation for 20 years. Their reunion is cold, marked by long silences, with the film gradually revealing Jem’s reason for seeking Ray and the cause of Ray’s exile.
Atmosphere and Style
Anemone carefully balances its slow pacing with a powerful atmosphere. Cinematographer Ben Fordesman’s gloomy visuals, Bobby Krlic’s haunting score, and the intense performances create a thick mood of suspense and dread. Ronan Day-Lewis’ direction heightens this sense of mystery throughout the two-hour runtime.
“Anemone has such a strong command of tone, creating an air of mystery, dread and suspense.”
Cast Highlights
- Daniel Day-Lewis as Ray
- Sean Bean as Jem Stoker
- Samantha Morton as Nessa
This film marks an important return for Daniel Day-Lewis, combining tightly woven storytelling with atmospheric intensity.
Author’s summary: Anemone is a slow-burning thriller that masterfully blends family drama with eerie suspense, highlighted by Daniel Day-Lewis’ powerful comeback and evocative direction.