Manchester by the Sea

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Manchester by the Sea

R

2016

2h 17m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

356 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

After the death of his older brother Joe, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is shocked that Joe has made him sole guardian of his teenage nephew Patrick. Taking leave of his job as a janitor in Boston, Lee reluctantly returns to Manchester-by-the-Sea, the fishing village where his working-class family has lived for generations. There, he is forced to deal with a past that separated him from his wife, Randi (Michelle Williams), and the community where he was born and raised.

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Critics Consensus

Manchester by the Sea delivers affecting drama populated by full-bodied characters, marking another strong step forward for writer-director Kenneth Lonergan.

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K. Austin Collins

The Ringer

Aug 10, 2017

In Manchester by the Sea, Kenneth Lonergan again explores the depth of grief.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Mar 22, 2017

C+

Writer/director Kenneth Lonergan's MANCHESTER BY THE SEA made me leave the theater feeling empty... it could easily be filed away as just another white male angst narrative.

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Wenlei Ma

News.com.au

Jan 31, 2017

5/5

Manchester by the Sea may be a potent examination of grief, family and self-imposed solitude, but it's also oddly life-affirming and uplifting.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Jul 20, 2025

5/5

The most praiseworthy character-driven films have the patience to cultivate its truths with substance and the wisdom to never give you everything.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Aug 8, 2024

A

Manchester By the Sea may be a somber and dour experience, but it’s one full of hope that people can survive grief.

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Demitra Kampakis

Vague Visages

Dec 12, 2023

Lonergan interrogates the realities of grief with sober restraint.

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Steven M.

Oct 8, 2021

My favorite movie of that year! Simply splendid. The acting and directing and writing are beautiful. My pick for Best Picture over Moonlight.

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Katie D

Mar 15, 2021

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!

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Jocelyn C

@JosieMarie Oct 4, 2026

Wow, where do I even begin? This film has a way of staying with you long after you’ve finished watching it. Whether it’s a few hours later or months or even years on, its impact lingers on. Every aspect of this film is unique and powerful, and every performance is simply amazing. I’ve always been a fan of Casey Affleck and his work, but this role stands out as arguably one of the most powerful performances I’ve ever witnessed on film. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys dramas and is willing to embark on a journey that explores themes of grief, love, family, and survival during challenging times. For me, it’s one of the most emotionally intense movies I’ve ever seen. While I don’t know if it would resonate with everyone, it’s definitely a film that deserves to be watched and experienced. After watching it, take a moment to appreciate the life you have by giving your loved ones a hug.

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Cinema S

@cinema_sensei Sep 25, 2026

Manchester by the Sea doesn’t offer a Hollywood cure for grief. It’s a devastatingly real, quiet look at a man crushed by a horrific mistake, trying to survive a trauma he can't forgive himself for.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 22, 2026

Manchester by the Sea = a *4* star Movie!

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Tobias K

@tkern13 Sep 15, 2026

If you are looking for a movie that illustrates the depths of grief, this movie is a must watch.

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Kenneth Lonergan

Director

Casey Affleck

Lee Chandler

Michelle Williams

Randi Chandler

Kyle Chandler

Joe Chandler

Lucas Hedges

Patrick Chandler

C.J. Wilson

George

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Synopsis

After the death of his older brother Joe, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is shocked that Joe has made him sole guardian of his teenage nephew Patrick. Taking leave of his job as a janitor in Boston, Lee reluctantly returns to Manchester-by-the-Sea, the fishing village where his working-class family has lived for generations. There, he is forced to deal with a past that separated him from his wife, Randi (Michelle Williams), and the community where he was born and raised.

Director: Kenneth Lonergan
Producer: Matt Damon, Kimberly Steward, Chris Moore, Lauren Beck, Kevin J. Walsh
Screenwriter: Kenneth Lonergan
Distributor: Roadside Attractions, Amazon Studios
Production Co: Roadside Attractions, Big Indie Pictures
Rating: R (Some Sexual Content|Language Throughout)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 7, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $47.7M
Runtime: 2h 17m

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