Manchester By The Sea Review (2016)

Manchester By The Sea

  When his older brother dies, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck), is given the responsibility of being his nephew's guardian.

  If there is one thing you should know about this film, it's that it is extremely emotionally charged. A lot of this has to do with the delicate, Oscar-worthy performance from Casey Affleck. His capability to make us sympathize with a character that isn't so likeable in the first act of the film, is quite a testament to his skills and range as an actor.

  The script is rich and deeply human, but it's really the acting that makes Manchester By The Sea what it is. Michelle Williams is fantastic, Kyle Chandler is fantastic, but who really stood out to me (aside from Afflek) was Lucas Hedges. Hedges plays the nephew, Patrick, and WOW is he good. I loved the chemistry between him and Casey Affleck and how little by little you get to see why his character acts the way he does. 

  Manchester By The Sea isn't afraid of giving its characters flaws and taking it places that aren't comfortable. It's an intimate look into the lives of a deeply hurting family, and it really pulls at the heart strings. That said, it's not a perfect film. You definitely feel that two hour run-time, and if you're not prepared for it's leisurely pacing, you may want to see Rogue One instead. 

  I also wasn't a huge fan of the score. It sounded like it should have been in a Jane Austin film and felt very out of place as well as emotionally manipulative. 

  Lastly, and probably my biggest gripe with the film was the way it ended. I don't know what I was expecting, but it left me feeling a bit unsatisfied and underwhelmed.

  Overall, I thought this sobering film was well done and worth watching for the powerhouse performances and GORGEOUS cinematography, however, I felt the ending never reaches its full, impacting potential. 7 out of 10 stars (Very Good)