Review of Manchester by the Sea (2016) by Miguel R — 20 Jun 2017

This is a film with amazing performances that is also depressing and as subtle as a ball peen hammer to the back of the head.

The film is a character study in grief, with the tremendous Casey Affleck playing Lee, a Man who feels he failed as a Father and Husband following a tragic incident in his past. Lee isolates himself from people, and drinks his sorrows away, not learning that his alcoholism is one reason the tragedy occurred.

Lee is forced to have to deal with people when his brother Joe, played by the always excellent Kyle Chandler dies from a long term illness. Joe has left Lee as the Guardian of his teenage son Patrick, played by the standout Lucas Hedges.

The main story is the relationship between these 2 characters, the wounded, self pitying Lee, and the stronger Patrick. The 2 actors have great chemistry and bring drama and meaning to every scene they share.

The cast has the exceptional Michelle Williams as Lee's ex wife, but unfortunately she is only in a few scenes, but each scene she is in sears off the screen.

The Strong cast includes CJ Wilson as a close family friend, that might be the best candidate to be the Guardian. He brings great humanity and caring to his role. Gretchen Mol is fantastic in one scene as Patrick's estranged, newly sober Mom, trying desperately to be a Good Mom, when her only impulse is to drink. Matthew Broderick plays her Born Again husband, and nails the role as an upright, uptight Christian.

The acting is the Only reason I can recommend this film, because it is one of the most depressing movies I have ever seen. The soundtrack is horrible, and is funeral like music that unwisely tries to evoke sadness, when the viewer doesn't need the musical cue. The story is manipulative, and the script is not strong using flashbacks almost every other scene. I love the cinematography and the location of the story, and the actors all do a good job with the Boston type accent. I give this film 3 stars solely based on the Brave acting choices,but the rest of the film I found not very good.