Review of Manchester by the Sea (2016) by Byron B — 17 Jul 2018

Drama, drama, drama! At the beginning of the #MeToo movement many people were not happy when Casey Affleck won the Best Actor Oscar for this role. The story in the movie itself is full of ragged emotions, hurt, and struggling to make human connections.

When the main character Lee returns to his hometown he is faced with unresolved grief and depression. Trying to bury painful emotions is something that many Americans can relate to if we are not taught a better way to deal with them.

Lee's brother has died and he has been named the guardian of his teenage nephew, a responsibility he is extremely uncomfortable handling. His ex is played by Michelle Williams. In flashbacks before the trouble she is sexy, but also a nagging wife.

When Lee returns after a long period of time away (self exile), she is incredibly distraught over the past tragedy. The women characters including Michelle Williams are all pushed to the background. As an actress she does her best to bring her character to life through a breakdown, but I don't particularly like the role that Lonergan has forced her into.

The relationships are all quite dysfunctional, messy, and broken. There is a realism and many quiet moments of contemplation and brooding. It is not a pleasant movie. Whether the characters find redemption or not, life goes on.