Daniel Day-Lewis made a memorable comeback in “Anemone,” which premiered at the New York Film Festival. This marks his return after an eight-year break to star in his son Ronan Day-Lewis’s directorial debut. The excitement in the room was palpable, especially from Ronan, who co-wrote the script with his father.
In “Anemone,” set in Northern England, Day-Lewis plays Ray, a former soldier living alone in the woods. His quiet life is disrupted when his brother, played by Sean Bean, arrives, forcing Ray to face his past. The film also features actors Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green, although they were not present at the premiere.
Ronan described their working relationship as “intuitive,” and both men found it easy to collaborate. Daniel noted that they have always had a natural rapport, making this project feel like an extension of their shared experiences. Interestingly, Ronan shared that they had collaborated on a silly Nike commercial featuring his pet tortoise when he was younger.
Sean Bean was their first choice for the role of Rayโs brother. He and Daniel connected over drinks in Ireland before filming, strengthening their bond for the story. Bean expressed how crucial their friendship was for authentically portraying the relationship between two brothers.
Before “Anemone,” Danielโs last role was in “Phantom Thread,” which earned him his sixth Oscar nomination. He has won three Academy Awards for remarkable performances in “My Left Foot,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “Lincoln.” His decision to return to acting was rooted in a desire to work with Ronan. Even during his absence, he never lost his love for the craft, expressing a longing to be part of a creative process.
Interestingly, Daniel has a history of stepping away from acting. After performing in “The Boxer” in 1997, he paused his career to pursue shoemaking in Italy. He returned to the screen in “Gangs of New York” in 2002.
Reflecting on his past statements about retirement, Daniel candidly admitted that he never intended to stop acting. He acknowledged how easy it is to say things in the moment that may sound “grandiose.” “I just wanted to work on something else for a while,” he remarked.
As fans celebrate his return, social media buzzes with excitement. Many are sharing their favorite performances of his, highlighting the significant impact he has had on film. This comeback isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a reunion with a talented artist who still has much to offer.
For more details on the film and its themes, check out this Variety article.
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Anemone,Daniel Day-lewis,New York Film Festival