Anemone - Review

Family Reunion.

Review written by Jack Aling

Anemone is directed by Ronan Day-Lewis and written by Ronan Day-Lewis and Daniel Day-Lewis.

Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, Samantha Morton & Samuel Bottomley.

Set in the 1980s in a remote English forest, Jem Stoker arrives to confront his hermit brother Ray, who has retreated from his partner and son. The film explores the profound ties between brothers and between fathers and sons.

There are glimpses of hope in Anemone.

Beautiful nature photography, some impressive cinematography and of course Daniel Day-Lewis returning to our screens to prove why he's the master of the monologue.

Regrettably, the highs are quickly washed away by a mundane and inconsistent family drama that does not equal the sum of its parts.

I admire and respect Daniel Day-Lewis' decision to work on his son Ronan's film, but unfortunately, his presence and notoriety cast a thick shadow over what is still a messy but confident debut feature.

Our verdict: 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Anemone arrives in UK cinemas 7 November 2025.

Read more of Jack's reviews at: letterboxd.com/TheJackAling