Title: Manchester by the Sea
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Kenneth Lonergan
Starring: Casey Affleck, Lucas Hedges, Michelle Williams
Runtime: 2 hrs 17 mins

What It Is: Mild-mannered handyman Lee Chandler’s (Affleck) brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) has just passed away at a really young age. Now while in his hometown he finds out he is now the legal guardian of his nephew Patrick (Hedges). As he visits he is also dealing with past demons as his ex-wife and her new husband show up to the wake. Joe’s former wife wants back into Patrick’s life regardless of the emotional consequences.

What We Think: It certainly knows how to be depressing. This is not a film you’d want to see following someone you love leaving you or passing on. It’s enough to drive you deeper in the doldrums of depression. Casey Affleck is sure and certain in his performance. It’s a great one and his pain permeates through every character decision. Lucas Hedges is also stellar, and if Michelle Williams subtle and small work doesn’t break you-you may not be human. Kenneth Lonergan does fantastic work here and you totally feel like he understands his character. Having said that I didn’t feel the emotional tug they wanted me too. Perhaps I’m just a jaded cinephile, perhaps I just could not relate either way it’s similar to Moonlight in that way for me.

Our Grade: B+, A great film that’s well shot it lacked in the emotional tug for me. It has some amazing acting and its screenplay is tight. It is certainly going to be an awards contender. Watch out for Casey Affleck in the Best Actor category this year. He’s been cleaning up at most award shows this year thus far. See the film but definitely, understand that it is quite depressing. Stay with it though and you’ll be treated to some fine acting by a guy I think is one of this generation’s finest and most underrated.