Manchester by the Sea

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Steven M. My favorite movie of that year! Simply splendid. The acting and directing and writing are beautiful. My pick for Best Picture over Moonlight. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/08/21 Full Review Katie D Perfect movie for a gray day! This film feels a little long and the editing/cinematography could use some work, but the acting is award-worthy! It is definitely Casey Affleck's best work and also a wonderful performance by Lucas Hedges! Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/15/21 Full Review Michael M. It was alright, kinda slow, ending was meh. But good story. 73/100 Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/06/25 Full Review K R. It was an emotional and beautiful story, but I couldn’t get behind the ending. The main character didn’t really grow or complete his character arc at all. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/27/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R Manchester by the Sea is one of those rare films that manages to be both devastating and profoundly human at the same time. Kenneth Lonergan’s direction and screenplay capture the raw essence of grief, guilt, and redemption in a way that feels almost too real to be fiction. Every scene breathes with quiet pain and emotional authenticity, making it one of the most powerfully written and executed dramas of the 2010s. Casey Affleck delivers an absolutely haunting performance as Lee Chandler, a man broken by tragedy and unable to escape his past. His portrayal is restrained but gut-wrenching, full of small gestures and silences that speak louder than words ever could. Michelle Williams, though appearing in only a few key scenes, gives one of the most emotionally impactful performances of her career. Together, they create moments of such intense sorrow and truth that it’s almost uncomfortable to watch — and that’s the film’s brilliance. Lucas Hedges, as Lee’s nephew Patrick, is equally magnetic. His youthful energy and humor balance the heaviness of the film, offering glimpses of hope amid the darkness. It’s remarkable to remember how strong his early work was — he truly felt like the next great rising star. His scenes with Affleck are especially poignant, blending awkwardness, love, and unspoken pain in a way that mirrors real family relationships. The screenplay deserves immense praise for its structure and subtlety. Lonergan never forces emotion — he lets it unfold naturally, allowing silence, pauses, and unspoken grief to carry the story. The nonlinear storytelling adds depth, slowly peeling back layers of the past until the full scope of Lee’s trauma is revealed. By the time it all clicks into place, you’re emotionally exhausted but grateful for the journey. From a technical standpoint, the film is stunning. The cinematography captures the cold, bleak beauty of coastal Massachusetts, mirroring the isolation and emotional distance of its characters. The editing is precise and patient, giving every moment room to breathe. Even the quiet sound design and minimalist score enhance the film’s somber tone without overpowering it. Manchester by the Sea isn’t an easy film to watch, but it’s an essential one. It’s about loss and the uncomfortable truth that some pain never truly fades — it just becomes part of who we are. Lonergan, Affleck, Williams, and the entire cast and crew deliver something truly unforgettable: a masterclass in storytelling, performance, and emotional honesty. It’s the kind of film that lingers long after the credits roll, reminding you of the fragile beauty of life and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/23/25 Full Review Pasquale M. Casey Affleck deserved two Oscar’s for his performance. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/15/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Manchester by the Sea

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