NEWS
EVENTS
London Film Festival: Manchester by The Sea Review
Manchester by The Sea surprised me: the story was so intense and tragic that I wasn't emotionally prepared for this. The movie is directed by Kenneth Lonergan and stars Michelle Williams and Casey Affleck along with Kyle Chandler.
The movie begins with the death of Joe, Lee's older brother. Through Lee's point of view, we witness his reaction and thanks to a series of flashbacks, we are able to travel back in time, getting to know how his life was years before. He had a wife, he had two fantastic children and he wasn't living in a solitary state. In the aftermath of his loss, Casey Affleck's character will have to deal with his nephew who doesn't have anyone left in his life, except for an unstable alcoholic mother.
Lonergan realistically explores the psychologies of these characters, and he deals with complex themes like memory and PTSD with absolute class. Manchester by The Sea is an emotional ride towards pain, suffering and catharsis. These characters have been hurt. Life has changed them and as it happens in the real world, you can not avoid to become a different person after shocking events.
But the movie is not simply about pain: Kenneth Lonergan balances tragic moments with hilarious and witty scenes. Michelle Williams and Casey Affleck are just incredible: their perfomances are stunning. They will likely be nominated in this Awards season, and they totally deserve to get some recognition.
Manchester by The Sea is a powerful, complex and emotional movie. It's a must-see. If you are not sold yet, have a look at the trailer below:
