Manchester By The Sea

Michelle Williams' show-stealing scene.

Casey Affleck is Lee, a depressed man living a solitary existence in Bahhhstan. We get glimpses into his daily routine and you wonder - has Affleck forgotten how to emote and nobody noticed or dared tell him? We slowly learn that Lee's adult life has been one tragedy or trauma after another, details of which are revealed to us at intervals perfectly chosen by director Kenneth Lonergan. This barrage of negativity has driven Lee to where he is now, until the long-expected death of his brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) brings him back to his hometown.

Unbeknownst to Lee, Joe has left him as the legal guardian of his son, Lucas. We again get glimpses of what their relationship used to be like from the flashbacks that appear regularly throughout - as close as any uncle & nephew could hope to be - contrasted with the present, two men who have nothing in common but blood & grief. Their relationship provides much of the emotional substance of the film and more humour than might be expected.

Michelle Williams' role as Randi, Lee's ex-wife is a standout performance. Even though, as usual, she's only really used to give context and depth to Lee's pain. "I said a lot of terrible things to you. My heart was broken, and I know yours is broken, too". Overall, a depressingly accurate portrait of life after loss.