Daniel Day-Lewis has made a stunning return from his self-imposed retirement in a captivating first-glance still from his latest cinematic venture, "Anemone." This highly anticipated project from Focus Features is poised to make its grand debut at the prestigious New York Film Festival, which commences on September 26th and stretches till October 13th, marking the triumphant comeback of the triple Oscar-winner after an eight-year hiatus.
"Anemone" not only heralds the feature directorial debut of Day-Lewis' son, Ronan Day-Lewis, but also boasts a screenplay co-written by the father-son duo. The official synopsis of the film paints it as an "enthralling family drama…that delves into lives derailed by seemingly irreconcilable legacies of political and personal violence." Set amidst the serene yet rugged landscapes of Northern England, the narrative unfolds around a middle-aged man, portrayed by Sean Bean, who embarks on a soul-searching journey into the woods from his suburban abode, where he reconnects with his reclusive, estranged brother, played by Day-Lewis. United by a past shrouded in mystery and complexity, these two share a tumultuous yet occasionally tender bond, forever altered by traumatic events that transpired decades ago.
The description continues, lauding "Anemone" as an "emotional powerhouse" that meticulously balances meticulous detail with grand gestures, charting the course towards familial redemption against all odds. Alongside its stellar lead performances, the film boasts remarkable supporting turns from Samantha Morton and Samuel Bottomley, and breathtakingly expressive widescreen cinematography by Ben Fordesman.
"Anemone" marks Day-Lewis' first feature film appearance since 2017's "Phantom Thread." Prior to its release, the actor issued a poignant statement, announcing his retirement from acting: "Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. He is deeply grateful to all his collaborators and audiences who have supported him over the years. This is a personal decision, and neither he nor his representatives will make further comment on this subject."
Elaborating further in an interview with W magazine, Day-Lewis shared, "I knew issuing a statement was uncharacteristic of me. But I wanted to draw a definitive line. I didn't want to be lured back into another project. Throughout my life, I've often joked about quitting acting, but this time, the urge to step away took root within me, becoming an irresistible compulsion. It was something I had to do… I hesitate to use the overworked term 'artist,' but there's a sense of responsibility that weighed heavily on me. I need to believe in the worth of my endeavors. The work can appear vital, even irresistible. And if an audience believes in it, that should suffice for me. However, lately, it hasn't."
