Daniel Day-Lewis Makes a Stunning Comeback, But Does 'Anemone' Really Deliver the Magic We Craved?
Movie Reviews
Posted 34 minutes ago
PLOT: Set against the rugged backdrop of Northern England, a determined man embarks on a trek through dense forests to reunite with his reclusive brother, a hermit grappling with a tangled history shaped by profound, life-altering incidents from years past.
REVIEW: Back in 2017, when Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting, it felt almost impossible to believe—especially considering his track record of delivering powerhouse performances in every role he took on. It was like the film world was losing a treasure trove of potential masterpieces. I kept hoping he'd reconsider and grace us with another epic, larger-than-life project. Fortunately, his son Ronan Day-Lewis stepped in to coax him back into the spotlight. But alas, what we get is a solid acting showcase in a movie that feels aimless and tedious.
The narrative centers on Sean Bean's character, Jem, who ventures deep into the wilderness to locate his isolated sibling, Ray, portrayed by the legendary Daniel Day-Lewis. Their relationship is fraught with layers of complexity, and much of the film revolves around Jem's efforts to persuade Ray to return and support his alienated son. Day-Lewis shines brilliantly in this comeback role, dominating every scene with his precise delivery and magnetic presence. His extended monologues are masterfully executed, drawing viewers in just as powerfully as ever. Bean, too, excels as a man consumed by the need to uncover the reasons behind his brother's withdrawal from the world.
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It's truly unfortunate that Samantha Morton continues to be overlooked as an actress—she's consistently brilliant, and this film is no exception, conveying depth and emotion with minimal lines. Samuel Bottomley's portrayal of Brian didn't quite click for me, though he had the challenge of standing out among such formidable talent. His character comes across as somewhat adrift, making his segments the least engaging parts of the story.
Anemone often resembles those films designed to lure Academy Award nominations—think of movies that prioritize star power over substance, like 'The Revenant' or 'Room,' where performances steal the show but the plot might not fully satisfy. It plods along at an excruciatingly slow pace, which wouldn't be such a problem if there were a rewarding climax or deeper insights to justify it. I appreciate movies with stunning cinematography that unfold gradually, but this one feels like it's deliberately trudging through mud, testing the audience's patience. Strip away the exceptional acting, and you're left with little substance. There's even a bizarre, surreal moment that seems completely out of place in an otherwise realistic tale, leaving you wondering if it belongs in the same movie.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the film's heavy reliance on symbolism a bold artistic choice, or does it sacrifice clarity for the sake of pretension? And this is the part most people miss—the sound design and musical score truly stand out. Composed by Bobby Krlic, the soundtrack leans heavily on guitar elements, evoking the expansive, emotive style of bands like Explosions in the Sky. It injects energy into the duller sequences and reminds us why more films should embrace electric guitars for that raw, atmospheric punch. Despite my overall lukewarm feelings toward the movie, I was pleasantly surprised by Ronan Day-Lewis's directorial debut. It's remarkable for a first-time feature, handling somber and weighty subjects with surprising maturity. However, he doesn't fully control the narrative, and the film might just put some viewers to sleep.
In the end, it's a letdown that this is the project that lured Day-Lewis out of retirement—it's not as robust as it could have been. Loaded with symbolic elements, it sometimes prioritizes mystery over straightforward storytelling, leading to moments of grandeur mixed with irritation. As a somber exploration of a man tormented by his past deeds, it's intriguing enough to watch. Much like Day-Lewis's other works, it's worthwhile solely for the chance to witness his unparalleled talent.
Anemone is now playing In Theaters Everywhere.
5
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What do you think—does a great performance from a legend like Day-Lewis outweigh a film's flaws, or should comeback roles be more carefully chosen? And is the symbolism in Anemone a genius touch or just confusing? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
