Daniel Day-Lewis officially retired after his final role in Phantom Thread (2017), marking nearly eight years away from acting. He made a rare exception to star in Anemone, especially because it’s a project led by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
A Unique Father-Son Creative Fusion
The film represents Ronan Day-Lewis’s feature directorial debut. Ronan, a visual artist who graduated from Yale, has exhibited his work internationally. Anemone is co-written by Daniel and Ronan, blending the elder Day-Lewis’s legendary screen presence with his son’s fresh creative vision.
Plot & Themes
Anemone is described as an emotionally gripping drama exploring fractured familial relationships, particularly between fathers, sons, and brothers. The story centers on a suburban man (Sean Bean) who ventures into Northern England’s woods to reconnect with his estranged brother (Daniel Day-Lewis), a hermit. Their relationship is shaped by long-buried personal and political trauma.
Stellar Cast & Creative Team
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green.
Creative Team:
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Director: Ronan Day-Lewis
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Writers: Daniel Day-Lewis, Ronan Day-Lewis
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Cinematography: Ben Fordesman (Love Lies Bleeding)
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Costume Design: Jane Petrie (The Crown)
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Production Design: Chris Oddy (Zone of Interest)
The film is produced by Focus Features in partnership with Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, with international distribution by Universal Pictures.
Production & Filming Tidbits
Principal photography began on October 1, 2024, in Manchester. In a quirky on-set moment, mock 1980s vehicles used as props were ticketed by traffic wardens during filming in Chester due to road closure mix-ups.
Release & Premiere Details
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World Premiere: 2025 New York Film Festival (September 26 – October 13)
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Theatrical Release:
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Limited U.S. release – October 3, 2025
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Expansion – October 10, 2025
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Early Buzz & Fan Reactions
Early chatter calls Anemone an “emotional powerhouse,” with awards-season potential thanks to Day-Lewis’s presence. Some observers remain cautious, noting this is a debut feature for Ronan Day-Lewis and a deeply personal family project.
Anemone is more than just a comeback; it’s a personal cinematic collaboration between father and son. With a compelling cast, accomplished behind-the-scenes talent, and a story rooted in reconciliation, it’s set to be one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025.
