Introduction to a Legendary Actor’s Return
For around 30 years, Daniel Day-Lewis was considered one of the best working actors, getting nominated for six Best Actor Oscars and winning three of them. Following his sixth nomination in 2018 for Phantom Thread, he announced his retirement at the relatively young age of 61. But now, thanks to his son, he’s gracing the screen yet again in a new film.
The Story Unfolds
The film, directed by Daniel’s son Ronan and written by both the father and son, finds Daniel playing a hermit named Ray, who lives deep in the woods in rural Ireland. He’s tracked down by his brother Jem at the behest of Jem’s wife, Nessa. A dalliance between Ray and Nessa many years before resulted in a son, Brian, and Nessa believes Brian finally meeting his biological father might help quell his growing anger.
The Film’s Atmosphere and Direction
The story goes back-and-forth between Ray and Jem at Ray’s remote cabin, and Nessa and Brian at their home, juxtaposing the somewhat tense reunion of the brothers with the sullenness of Brian and quiet despair of Nessa. The moody film is taken further into reflection by a series of atmospheric shots depicting the stark-yet-beautiful Irish landscapes. Ronan, making his feature directing debut, shows that he already possesses a keen eye, working with cinematographer Ben Fordesman to bring together a number of impressive shots.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film is not dialogue-heavy, and so the audience must get by with brief snippets of conversation that yield small tidbits of information about the characters. What is revealed is dark and deep, but the framework of the film prevents the story from developing the necessary drama. As the film goes along, it becomes increasingly clear that the filmmakers are more interested in vibes than anything else. While this approach yields some interesting scenes in the first half of the film, the second half is a bit of a slog as each of the characters tries to come to terms with what their individual lives have become.
Performances and Conclusion
Despite the film’s story faults, Daniel Day-Lewis shows he hasn’t lost a step since we last saw him on screen. Whether he’s telling a bawdy story or revealing long-held secrets, his ability to get inside the skin of his character is amazing. The real show is happening with Daniel, although other actors complement him well in their roles. The film serves as a great re-introduction to perhaps the finest actor of our time, but even if that’s good enough to get Daniel Day-Lewis yet another Oscar nomination, it doesn’t make for a memorable film overall.
Conclusion
The film is now playing in theaters, offering a chance to see Daniel Day-Lewis back on the big screen. While it may not be the most memorable film, it showcases the return of a legendary actor and the debut of a promising new director, Ronan Day-Lewis. With its atmospheric shots and impressive performances, it’s worth watching for fans of Daniel Day-Lewis and those interested in seeing the emergence of new talent in the film industry.
