Manchester by the Sea

Manchester by the Sea is tipped to sweep the Academy Awards this year receiving six nominations, including Best Film, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and is arguably one of the most gripping films of 2016. In the movie that may mark his career, Casey Affleck is a powerhouse as Lee Chandler, a man who is crippled by grief and tormented by an unimaginable amount of guilt.

The film opens exploring Lee’s current state of mind as an aloof, grief-stricken and detached janitor who responds to plumbing problems in an apartment complex with no regard for the residents. Upon receiving word his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) has passed away, he returns to Manchester-by-the-Sea, his hometown in Massachusetts, and is astounded to learn he has been named sole guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Grappling with his predicament, Lee is forced to face his tragic past, a town that has shunned him, and his ex-wife he devastated.

Manchester by the Sea is very much a movie that explores the concept of grief. Hedges is a standout in the role of Patrick, a teenager who lost his father unexpectedly while dealing with his teenage issues of juggling two girlfriends, a band, ice hockey and a group of friends. Hedges’ performance is nuanced: ranging from anger to nonchalance to a complete panic attack when frozen meat reminds him of his deceased father who is awaiting burial. On the other hand, Lee’s grief is subdued and overshadowed by his personal demons, and avoids any social interaction, including a heart-wrenching chance encounter with ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams), as they revisit their personal tragedy. The uncle—nephew relationship, strained by personal losses, is explored throughout the movie, resulting in moments of humour, conflict and support, because ultimately, they need to rely on each other. 

Although the movie cleverly circles around the tragedy that caused so much destruction, once unveiled, does not disappoint. The only downside to the film is that you can’t help but want more scenes with Michelle Williams, because she commands any scene she is in.

Catch Manchester by the Sea in a cinema near you.

Manchester by the Sea
In cinemas now
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