Anemone, the first film from three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis in eight years, has just premiered in cinemas. Co-written by Day-Lewis alongside his son and director Ronan Day-Lewis, the movie delivers a gripping and intense story.
The story opens with Jem Stoker (Sean Bean, Game of Thrones) praying quietly for strength before saying farewell to his wife, Nessa (Oscar-nominee Samantha Morton, In America), and speeding away on his motorcycle. His destination is a remote cabin deep in the Yorkshire woods, where his older brother Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis), who has lived in solitude for 20 years, resides.
The brothers’ reunion is cold and marked by long, tense silences. As the film unfolds over its two-hour duration, the reasons behind Jem’s visit and Ray’s self-imposed isolation gradually come to light.
Anemone blends family drama with thriller and horror elements, establishing a commanding tone from the start. The film’s deliberate pacing carefully reveals character motivations and backstory.
"Anemone has such a strong command of tone, creating a thick air of mystery, dread and suspense."
The film’s artistry and storytelling combine to deliver a deeply atmospheric thriller with complex emotional layers.
This intense thriller delivers a slow-burning, atmospheric family drama, marked by superb performances and immersive direction, making it a compelling cinematic experience.