Critics have delivered a devastating verdict on Daniel Day-Lewis's return to acting after an eight-year absence, with reviewers condemning his latest film as an unprecedented failure in the performer's career.

The three-time Academy Award winner's psychological drama Anemone has attracted scathing reviews, with the San Francisco Chronicle declaring it the first "truly horrible movie" the Irish actor has ever made.

The 68-year-old performer, renowned for roles in My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln, had stepped away from acting following 2017's Phantom Thread.

His unexpected comeback has prompted brutal reviews, with one critic describing the film as "a total-nothing hand" and suggesting it represents the lowest point of Mr Day-Lewis's otherwise distinguished filmography.

Daniel Day-Lewis' comeback film Anemone has been blasted by critics

The film marks a family collaboration, with Mr Day-Lewis co-writing the screenplay alongside his son Ronan, who makes his directorial debut with the project.

Anemone centres on Ray Stoker, a former paramilitary soldier portrayed by Mr Day-Lewis, who has isolated himself in woodland following an unspecified traumatic incident over 20 years ago.

The cast includes established British talent, with Sean Bean playing Ray's younger brother Gem, and Samantha Morton appearing as Gem's wife, Nessa.

Young actor Sam Bottomley rounds out the limited ensemble in the psychological drama, which is scheduled for release on October 3.

Daniel Day-Lewis has broken his eight-year hiatus for the Anemone role

The project represents Mr Day-Lewis's first screen appearance since his widely publicised departure from acting, which his representatives announced in 2017 with minimal explanation beyond expressing gratitude to collaborators and audiences.

Several prominent critics have acknowledged the actors' capabilities whilst condemning the film's fundamental flaws.

Monica Castillo from RogerEbert.com noted that whilst Mr Day-Lewis and Mr Bean deliver excellent performances, the screenplay and direction fall significantly short of expectations.

She highlighted the repetitive nature of Ray's monologues to his largely unresponsive brother, suggesting that even Mr Day-Lewis cannot overcome the material's limitations.

Daniel Day-Lewis' new film was labelled a 'painful misfire'

Variety's Owen Gleiberman offered particularly harsh criticism, stating: "I'm not sure that even Laurence Olivier could deliver this speech in Anemone and make you want to listen to it. Daniel Day-Lewis certainly can't."

The Guardian's Adrian Horton, despite awarding only two stars and calling the film a "painful misfire", found some promise in Ronan Day-Lewis's visual approach as a first-time director.

Mr Day-Lewis recently clarified his departure from acting, telling Rolling Stone magazine that retirement was never his intention. "I just stopped doing that particular type of work so I could do some other work," the actor explained, acknowledging he should have "kept my mouth shut" about stepping away.

He revealed that whilst he continued to love the craft itself, certain aspects of the acting lifestyle had become increasingly difficult to bear. "There's something about that process that left me feeling hollowed out at the end of it," he admitted.

Daniel Day-Lewis in 2013

The actor suggested that during his final pre-hiatus project, Phantom Thread, he sensed the usual creative regeneration might not return, prompting his decision to distance himself from the profession.