After an eight-year hiatus from acting, Daniel Day-Lewis returned to the big screen with Anemone, a psychological family drama now available on video on demand following a limited theatrical run.
Set in the lush, isolated landscapes of Northern England, Anemone follows Ray Stoker (Day-Lewis), a reclusive hermit who has withdrawn from society, burdened by past trauma.
The story begins when Ray’s estranged brother Jem (Sean Bean) leaves his comfortable suburban life to find him and urges him to reconnect with their fractured family. This reunion triggers a series of emotional reckonings that reveal old wounds linked with political violence, family grief, and personal regrets.
The project felt like a natural return for Day-Lewis, whose previous film, Phantom Thread, was released in 2017. Known for selecting deeply challenging and layered roles throughout his career, this intimate, character-driven story provided the perfect canvas for his comeback.
His collaboration with Ronan added layers of authenticity while introducing a new directorial voice to cinema.
Anemone premiered at the 2025 New York Film Festival on September 28 before opening in select U.S. theaters on October 3 and expanding later. Its subsequent rollout on PVOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV offers a broader audience the chance to experience this quiet but powerful film.
Plot: A Story of Estrangement, Trauma, and Fragile Hope
Anemone centers on the intense relationship between two brothers deeply scarred by past events. Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis) lives a solitary life in the wilds, removed from family and society after a mysterious trauma tied to Ireland’s political violence that haunts him.
Jem (Sean Bean), his brother, seeks to pull him back into family life, especially as Jem’s adopted son, Brian, struggles to deal with his own battles, partly stemming from his connection to Ray’s absence.
The plot unfolds as an emotional exploration of estrangement and the slow, uneasy steps toward reconciliation. Ray’s withdrawn state, often punctuated by moments of anger and silence, contrasts with Jem’s earnestness and Samantha Morton’s portrayal of Nessa, the wife left behind.
The film confronts heavy themes like regret, memory, and the legacy of violence that ripples across generations.
Daniel Day-Lewis (Credit: NBC)
Critics have noted the film’s meditative pace and emotive weight, with some finding the narrative obtuse but many praising Day-Lewis’s compelling central performance. His portrayal evokes both vulnerability and simmering intensity, bringing a complex humanity to the isolated character of Ray.
The cinematography, shot in evocative Welsh landscapes, enhances the surreal and somber atmosphere, adding a dreamlike quality that underscores the film’s exploration of pain and healing.
Mixed Reviews but Undeniable Power and Significance
Reception for Anemone has been mixed. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 56% critic rating, with common praise directed at Day-Lewis’ return and the rich emotional texture between characters.
Some reviewers found the storytelling uneven or slow, yet many acknowledged the film as a showcase for Day-Lewis’ legendary craft and Ronan Day-Lewis’ assured directorial touch.
Audience response has been warmer, with many drawn to the film’s raw intimacy and the actor’s magnetic presence on screen. The complexity of the family dynamics and the weight of the themes invite reflection on trauma and reconciliation, rarely examined with such nuance in mainstream cinema.
Though Anemone didn’t achieve blockbuster status, its release marks a significant moment for followers of Day-Lewis’ career and those interested in character-driven dramas.
The availability of this emotionally dense work on streaming platforms ensures that it reaches a wider audience while offering viewers a chance to witness one of cinema’s greatest actors explore new depths in his craft.
Moving forward, Anemone may well be regarded as a personal milestone and a vital contribution to stories about fractured families grappling with history and personal demons, amplified by the unique dynamic of a father-son filmmaking team.
Daniel Day-Lewis’s Anemone is more than an acting comeback ; it’s a poignant exploration of isolation, family, and the scars that define us. Streaming now, it invites viewers to witness a master’s return through a story that moves with quiet power and lasting emotional resonance.
Deliver Me From Nowhere has quickly become a talking point among fans and industry insiders alike, not only for its compelling storytelling and performances but also for an unexpected decision made during its production.
Despite featuring a standout cover by Jeremy Allen White, the film notably omits one of Bruce Springsteen’s most iconic hits, “Thunder Road,” a track that shaped the singer-songwriter’s career and held significant emotional resonance for many listeners.
Sources close to the production reveal that the song was initially considered for inclusion, given its thematic relevance and popularity. However, the decision to remove the track came down to licensing and rights issues.
Springsteen’s music catalog is managed with strict licensing agreements that often involve complex negotiations, especially when it comes to film synchronization rights, an essential element when a song is used to complement key emotional moments on screen.
The film’s director, Sam Edwards, explained that during the post-production phase, the legal team advised against using “Thunder Road” due to logistical delays and cost concerns.
Licensing negotiations, particularly for a song with such a storied history, can be lengthy and unpredictable. The risk was deemed too high for a project that had already stretched its budget and timeline.
Confirmations from industry insiders suggest that the decision was primarily driven by financial and contractual considerations. While many fans believed the omission was a creative choice designed to allow White’s cover to stand out, the reality lies in the complexities of music licensing, which often overrule artistic vision.
This has stirred a debate about whether such decisions stifle storytelling or are simply part of the compromise that accompanies modern filmmaking.
Fan and Industry Reactions: A Mix of Disappointment and Understanding
Critics argue that omitting such a pivotal track dilutes the emotional gravity, especially given the way Jeremy Allen White’s cover was praised for its raw emotionality.
On the other hand, some industry observers and legal experts recognize the challenges filmmakers face. Licensing iconic songs, especially those with strong nostalgic appeal, requires working through a complex web of rights holders and financial negotiations.
These negotiations can take months or even years, which many filmmakers and producers may simply not have, especially when working within tight deadlines for festival premieres or streaming releases.
Some analysts believe that this decision reflects broader industry trends where licensing issues frequently override artistic intent. As the rights environment becomes more complicated with rapid changes in streaming permissions and digital distribution, major studios are becoming increasingly cautious about the risks and costs of licensing popular hits.
Fans also debate whether this was a missed opportunity or a tactical move that could give the film a more unique identity. In some cases, omitting a well-known song forces a film to stand on its own merits rather than relying on familiar melodies to evoke emotional responses.
For Jeremy Allen White, whose cover of the song received widespread acclaim, the absence may serve as a reminder of the balancing act between artistic expression and legal limitations.
The Future of Classic Songs in Films and the Impact on Legacy
The decision to leave out “Thunder Road” from Deliver Me From Nowhere highlights a common challenge faced by filmmakers when working with iconic music. Licensing obstacles often prevent filmmakers from including tracks that could enhance emotional impact, which can frustrate fans, weaken storytelling, or both.
Deliver Me From Nowhere (Credit: 20th Century Studios)
In recent years, studios have experimented with alternative approaches, such as re-recording songs or creating original compositions inspired by classic tracks. These strategies aim to preserve artistic integrity while sidestepping licensing roadblocks.
In White’s case, his cover was praised precisely because it reimagined the song in a fresh, emotionally resonant way, demonstrating how art can adapt when rights are constrained.
Despite its absence, Deliver Me From Nowhere has been successful in engaging viewers, thanks largely to its compelling narrative and White’s nuanced performance.
Critics suggest that in the end, the film’s integrity resides more in its storytelling and performances than in any specific musical choice. Still, industry insiders caution that licensing challenges will continue to shape future projects, especially those seeking to feature historic songs.
The controversy surrounding the missing song fuels ongoing discussions about the importance of music rights in film storytelling, an issue that could reshape how filmmakers approach iconic soundtracks in future productions.
As streaming and digital platforms become the primary venues for new films, the legal considerations around music licensing are destined to shape cinematic narratives more than ever before.
Deliver Me From Nowhere’s omission of Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” exemplifies how legal and financial realities often influence artistic decisions in Hollywood.
While fans may regret the absence of a powerful musical moment, the broader industry continues to wrestle with balancing creativity, rights management, and commercial interests in today’s complex digital environment.
For Jeremy Allen White and future filmmakers alike, these restrictions serve as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest challenges in storytelling lie behind the scenes.
