MOVIE REVIEW | Anemone – Anemone, the directorial debut of Ronan Day-Lewis, is not a film that rushes to meet its audience. Instead, it invites viewers to slow down, sit with silence, and observe the complex emotional terrain between fathers, sons, and brothers. What unfolds is a carefully constructed drama that rewards patience and reflection.
From the outset, Anemone establishes a deliberate pace. Much like Dances with Wolves, the film frequently embraces silence, allowing scenes to breathe rather than filling every moment with dialogue. Yet these pauses are far from empty. When the two central brothers share the screen without speaking, the film communicates in subtler ways — through expression, movement, and the weight of shared history. In these moments, the audience often learns more than any line of dialogue could convey.
The film also carries an unexpected sense of journey. At one point, as the brothers embark on a long walk together — reconnecting while confronting fragments of their past — the atmosphere almost evokes the feeling of an epic quest. There’s a surprising echo of The Lord of the Rings in these sequences, not through spectacle but through the emotional distance travelled between two people trying to find their way back to each other.
Performances are one of the film’s greatest strengths. The casting across the board is excellent, but the two brothers at the centre of the story deliver particularly powerful work.
Their performances carry much of the film’s emotional weight, and they do so with restraint and authenticity. It’s the kind of acting that doesn’t beg for attention but gradually reveals itself as deeply impressive.
The story itself moves through some heavy emotional territory, examining family bonds that are strained, complicated, and sometimes painful. Yet the film’s slow rhythm never feels misplaced. Instead, the pacing mirrors the nature of its storytelling — thoughtful, reflective, and grounded in character rather than plot mechanics.
That said, the ending may divide audiences. Just as the narrative seems to be approaching the moment many viewers might expect it to resolve around, the film stops.
For some, this may feel abrupt or even frustrating. But with reflection, the choice feels intentional and ultimately fitting. The film concludes not at the obvious destination, but at the emotional point that best represents its journey.
Anemone is not a film for those looking for action or fast-moving drama. It is a slow, patient exploration of family and reconciliation — a film that asks its audience to lean into quiet moments and read between the lines. For viewers willing to meet it on its own terms, the experience is thoughtful, immersive, and ultimately rewarding.
Anemone – 12 March, 2026.
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MOVIE REVIEW | Anemone
@UniversalPicsAU
Rating
Aaron: 7 / 10 “A slow, reflective drama elevated by powerful performances and meaningful silence.“
Zak: 6 / 10 “A thoughtful but slow-burning drama that rewards patience more than excitement”
Synopsis:
Anemone explores the intricate relationships between fathers, sons and brothers, and the dynamics of familial bonds.
Director: Ronan Day-Lewis
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley and Safia Oakley-Green
Cinema Experience:
Attending the premiere of Anemone at Palace Cinemas Raine Square offered an experience as boutique as the venue itself. Nestled in the heart of Perth’s CBD, the cinema makes for an ideal night out, with plenty of dining options nearby to pair with your movie plans.
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The cinema space strikes a balance between comfort and intimacy. The manually reclining seats are reasonably comfortable, though not the plushest in town. The screen, while not the largest in Perth, is generously sized for the venue and delivers a crisp, clean presentation.
While this particular premiere skipped the complimentary popcorn and drinks, the candy bar was well-stocked and appealing. Highlights included a selection of choc bombs, with the coconut ice cream option being a standout indulgence.
Overall, Palace Cinemas Raine Square provides a stylish, centrally located cinema experience—perfect for those who value convenience, cleanliness, and a touch of boutique charm over sheer scale.
