First Look at Daniel Day-Lewis in Comeback Film Anemone

Daniel Day-Lewis will return to the screen for the first time in eight years with Anemone, a new film he co-wrote with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who makes his directorial debut. Ahead of its world premiere at the New York Film Festival this fall, Focus Features has unveiled the film’s first look.
Along with Day-Lewis, Anemone stars Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, and Samuel Bottomley. Following its premiere at the New York Film Festival, it will receive a limited theatrical release in the US on October 3rd, before expanding wide a week later on October 10th.
Here’s the official synopsis from NYFF: “The Northern England–set Anemone begins as a middle-aged man (Bean) sets out from his suburban home on a journey into the woods, where he reconnects with his estranged hermit brother (Day-Lewis). Bonded by a mysterious, complicated past, the men share a fraught, if occasionally tender relationship—one that was forever altered by shattering events decades earlier. An emotional powerhouse, this directorial debut is assured in both small details and grand gestures as it charts the path toward familial redemption against all odds. In addition to its unflinching lead performances, Anemone features standout supporting work from Morton and Bottomley, and sensationally expressive widescreen cinematography by Ben Fordesman.”
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Day-Lewis previously announced his retirement from acting following the release of The Phantom Thread in 2017. He never gave a specific reason for his decision, only sharing a statement through his representative: “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”
Day-Lewis is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation and the only actor to win three Academy Awards for Best Actor.
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.
Premiering at this year’s New York Film Festival. #NYFF63 pic.twitter.com/8N9hVzRrha— Focus Features (@FocusFeatures) August 12, 2025