'Anemone' Brings Daniel Day-Lewis Back — Can the Oscar Winner Shine in a Father-Son Film Collaboration Again?
Exploring family drama, legacy, and the magic only Day-Lewis delivers.
I didn’t see this coming. After seven years away, three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis is back in Anemone, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
The film promises a deeply personal story about family, reconciliation, and the artistic legacy of one of cinema’s most meticulous actors. Even the first photo released by Focus Features on X, and the first trailer hints at the emotional weight of the project.
First Look at Daniel Day-Lewis in Anemone Is Already Unmissable
Focus Features shared the first photo on X, and the first trailer on Youtube. Honestly, it’s everything fans hoped for: Daniel Day-Lewis standing alongside Sean Bean, with a hint of Samantha Morton in the frame.
Three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen with ANEMONE, directed by Ronan Day-Lewis. Also starring Sean Bean and Samantha Morton.
— Focus Features (@FocusFeatures) August 12, 2025
Premiering at this year’s New York Film Festival. #NYFF63 pic.twitter.com/8N9hVzRrha
Even in a single shot, the tension, intensity, and hints of the story’s themes — estranged brothers, personal demons, and family trauma — are palpable. The Northern England setting and forest landscapes don’t just serve as a backdrop; they’re a metaphor for forgiveness, hope, and confronting past mistakes.
The Cast of Anemone That Makes My Heart Race
Beyond Daniel Day-Lewis and Bean, Anemone features a remarkable supporting cast: Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green. Each brings depth and realism that complements the film’s intimate focus on character-driven drama.
The father-son collaboration also adds a meta-layer — seeing Ronan Day-Lewis direct his father makes the story feel alive with authenticity, emotional stakes, and cinematic care.
Why the Daniel Day-Lewis and Ronan Day-Lewis Collaboration in Anemone Feels Special
There’s something inherently fascinating about a son directing his dad, especially when that dad is Daniel Day-Lewis. Anemone is more than a family drama; it’s a study of artistic trust, legacy, and the challenges of translating personal experiences to the screen.
The trailer teases a story about estranged brothers, but behind the camera, it’s a narrative of intergenerational talent and a unique look at a legendary actor’s process.
When and Where to Watch Anemone Featuring Daniel Day-Lewis
Anemone premieres at the 2025 New York Film Festival on September 26, with a limited U.S. release on October 3, and a wider release on October 10. Judging by the first photo and the trailer, this might be one of the most anticipated films of the year, blending cinematic artistry with deeply personal storytelling.
Fans Divided on Daniel Day-Lewis in Anemone: Praise, Nepotism Claims, and Overacting Critiques
To the excited comments like, "This rocks! Hell yea! Me, enjoying this movie regardless of how good it is," there were also more skeptical and critical voices.
One user wrote, "DDL hasn't been able to get work in years and suddenly he's starring in a film directed by his son? I dunno, smells like nepo daddy to me…"
Another chimed in, "The most overrated actor of all time. Bar none. Watch him in My Left Foot — his 'breakthrough' role. You will hate the character, the actor, and the movie. Then watch his overacting in Gangs of NY, then listen to him repeatedly saying 'I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!'"
Even with the debate, the buzz shows how much anticipation Anemone is generating, whether fans focus on the father-son collaboration, Daniel Day-Lewis’ return, or the layers of storytelling the film promises.
