Director: Ronan Day-Lewis (feature debut)
Writers: Ronan Day-Lewis & Daniel Day-Lewis
Cinematography: Ben Fordsman
Main Cast:
Daniel Day-Lewis as Ray
Sean Bean as Jem
Samantha Morton as Nessa Stoker
Samuel Bottomley as Brian Stoker
Safiya Oakley-Green as Hattie
00:00 – Intro & Overview
Michael and Dave introduce Anemone, a moody psychological drama and feature debut by Ronan Day-Lewis, starring his father Daniel Day-Lewis. They tease the film's atmospheric visuals, layered performances, and thematic heft.
01:25 – Plot Summary
Dave summarizes the plot: Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis), a haunted recluse in rural England, is visited by his brother Jem (Sean Bean), prompting a confrontation with past traumas, estrangement, and the question of familial reconciliation.
02:50 – Visual Aesthetic & Cinematography
The hosts explore the film's striking use of natural light, magical realism, and "damp, green" Northern England landscapes, captured by cinematographer Ben Fordsman. The weather acts as a near-character in the story.
05:50 – Symbolism & Style
Michael critiques some symbolic elements and magical realism as heavy-handed. Dave defends their emotional resonance. Both agree the film shows great directorial promise despite moments of overreach.
08:52 – Cast Discussion
Daniel Day-Lewis: Praised for his intensity, though some monologues feel forced due to script limitations. Potential Oscar buzz.
Sean Bean: Commended for nuance and believability in a rare emotionally rich role.
Samantha Morton: Strong but underwritten role as the estranged wife.
Supporting Cast: Critique of thinly developed side characters, including son Brian and friend Hattie—sparking a broader conversation on representation in modern cinema.
31:00 – Reviews
Dave: ★★★☆☆ – "Solid film with strong performances; a bit drawn out but emotionally effective."
Michael: ★★★½☆ – "Visually compelling with a stacked cast. First-time director missteps but shows real talent."
39:00 – Thematic Deep Dive: Masculine Emotional Suppression
The second half focuses on the film's central theme: male emotional repression—especially within British working-class culture. Ray's emotional barricades, military trauma, and the generational consequences are dissected.
46:00 – Symbolism of the Anemone Flower
Michael interprets the title's metaphor: a subtle inheritance from the father, symbolizing buried emotion and unprocessed trauma blooming in isolation.
52:00 – Comparative Film Talk
Mentions of The Lighthouse, Tree of Life, Phantom Thread, and The Witch as points of stylistic and thematic comparison.
59:00 – Closing Banter
Discussion of upcoming episodes (likely Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro), humorous talk of "OnlyVans" and critic calendars, and shoutouts to listeners and fellow reviewers.
