Daniel Day-Lewis, the acclaimed three-time Oscar winner, is emerging from an eight-year retirement to star in "Anemone," a significant cinematic event marking his return to acting. The film is a family drama directed by and co-written by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, signifying a deeply personal collaboration.
"Anemone" is scheduled for its world premiere at the New York Film Festival in September 2025. Following this, it will have a limited U.S. release on October 3, 2025, with a wider release planned for October 10. This marks Day-Lewis's first acting role since his 2017 film "Phantom Thread," after which he had publicly announced his retirement from the profession.
The narrative centers on Jem Stoker, a middle-aged man who embarks on a journey to the English countryside to reconnect with his estranged brother, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis. Their reunion is steeped in a complex shared history and unresolved events from decades past. The film's exploration of familial bonds, particularly between fathers, sons, and brothers, is a core theme, with the script delving into the intricate dynamics that shape these relationships.
Adding significant weight to the ensemble cast are celebrated actors Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green. Focus Features and Plan B Entertainment are producing "Anemone," a partnership that underscores the film's high-caliber production values. The film's setting in Northern England and its narrative focus on the lingering impact of political and personal violence from the past are key elements that promise an intense and engaging cinematic experience.
The trailer for "Anemone" hints at a deeply personal project for Day-Lewis, given his co-writing credit and his son's directorial vision, suggesting a profound exploration of inherited legacies and memory.