Review of By the Sea (2015) by Kathleen H — 27 Nov 2015

This is a beautiful film, very finely considered and crafted, and directed with a sure hand. Adults only - there is no crash or flash. Adult themes - patience, grief, profound love and passion, the passing of time.

You learn the source of the couple's problem at the end of the film, and it is heart-wrenching. Leading up to that is a slowly unraveling mystery, difficult, winding, occasionally touched with quirky humour.

Vanessa and Roland arrive in a classic Citroen; they go through weeks of silence and strain; you think not much has been happening; then they go out in the car again, and suddenly you realise how far you have come to know them.

There are other interesting couples in the story - the old man who lost his wife and still loves her unreservedly; he and his staunch friend, who brings him back from the edge with humour; the old couple who are still ecstatic, fascinated with one another; the neighbouring lusty newlyweds.

A mark of the film's quality is that you can forget that you are watching Brangelina. Angelina Jolie PItt has a strange presence as if possessed, or paralysed within, and this is exactly right for the story.

Anyone who has suffered what this couple did, or something like it, will recognise that intractable knot, so unwilling to shift. In the first part, she often resembles one of Munch's anguished ghouls.

Her nickname "Nessa" is vaguely monstrous; "Van" could be short for vanity - you strip away the vanity and you see the pain. And that is how it goes. Then things begin to change. All of the love scenes are well made; the ones between Vanessa and Roland will remind you of your greatest love - it is pure chemistry.

The film's narrative is perfectly structured and the script is brilliant, with a deep sense of compassion at its core. Brad Pitt gives a first class, memorable performance as her husband; physically eloquent; a characterisation that is natural and deeply felt, long and complex, a man capable of great understanding and love.

As a discussion about love and marriage, the film is searching and intelligent. As a visual feast of beautiful people, locations, sets, and costumes, it is unforgettable. Possibly the best film I have seen this year - I can think of only one other that equals it.

Not to be missed, even if only for its rarity. To die for.