Review of Manchester by the Sea (2016) by Noel K — 11 Feb 2017

Casey Affleck displays bluntly the life and times of a broken man. The film maintains a melancholic atmosphere, planting intricate triggers in otherwise mundane dialogue. The dialogue subtly nuances the calm sound design and bright, blank cinematography. The film displays the effects of death on an individual's psychological and social demeanor. Lee Chandler has suffered crippling deaths that periodically haunt him through coincidental and reminiscent encounters.

The film excels in propelling the story through editing, various scenes are abruptly inserted while Lee is alone. This serves to explain the pain he carries with him, as well as explain various questions introduced in the first portion of the narrative. It allows for a strong sense of curiosity entering the film, and although a mildly bitter nonchalant conclusion, the questions presented are answered.