Anemone (2025) - 6/10

We open on a bayeux tapestry style child’s drawing, panning across a whistle-stop depiction of The Troubles, as a post rock score builds, before throwing us out into a windswept lush green Irish landscape. It’s an arresting scene setter. In this rural remote place we find Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis), living off the land, alone and undisturbed. Hiding. Until his brother, Jem (Sean Bean) comes to visit. Little is said. Past events weigh heavy and stifle conversation. Back in surbubia though, their family, Brian (Samuel Bottomley) and Nessa (Samantha Morton) are still, all these years later, feeling the aftermath of Ray’s actions. Despite the years of isolation and calm, Ray still bares an intense anger, which is nicely backed up by the post rock score. He’s menacingly aggressive. Jem has come with purpose, he has a letter. Ray’s family needs him. The pace here is slow and methodical, emotive and atmospheric. The narrative may be bleak, but it’s beautifully put together. As Ray’s story slowly unfurls, as does Brian’s, but Ray is the heart, Day-Lewis is the driver. His screen presence, as is often the case, magnetic. Powerful and vulnerable, it’s a cinematic treat, but quite challenging and likely won’t be for everyone.

6/10