Manchester by the Sea

Play trailer

2:29

Manchester by the Sea

R

2016

2h 17m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

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.

Watch on Prime Video

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

K. Austin Collins

The Ringer

08/10/2017

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

Go to Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

03/22/2017

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.

Go to Full Review

Wenlei Ma

News.com.au

01/31/2017

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.

Go to Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

07/20/2025

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.

Go to Full Review

JD Duran

InSession Film

08/08/2024

A

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

Go to Full Review

Demitra Kampakis

Vague Visages

12/12/2023

Lonergan interrogates the realities of grief with sober restraint.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Steven M.

10/08/2021

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

See more

Katie D

03/15/2021

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!

See more

Billybobjo C

@Abethebabe 3d

Took me beyond way too long to realise this was not in fact in Manchester(UK), way too long.

See more

James B

@RT97718182 Aug 11

Just a pointless, borefest

See more

Luke W

@12starfrogsplash Jul 28

Acting was good, story was unique, and I loved the east coast setting. The plot can be a bit to juggle, considering the excessive use of flashbacks. It was pretty sad but I won’t lie, it wasn’t half as sad as I was expecting. It touches on some deep topics and makes you think, no doubt. Nonetheless, it’s pretty solid. Will watch again one day.

See more

Kevin P

@RT55971421 Jul 28

A devastatingly bittersweet story about grief, depression, PTSD, and emptiness. The film has one of the most relatable and realistic depictions of depression and grief that I've ever seen. This is thanks to the great writing and the amazing acting about the subtle silent grief and mundane emotional shut in of everyday life after grief and trauma. Casey Affleck says so much with so little words with just his subtle facial expressions and body language of detachment and disinterest, just barely keeping it in and feeling unsure of what to say. Michelle Williams' role is much briefer than what the advertisements but up, but her role is still crucial and casts a heartbreaking shadow over the main characters. The movie is quietly heartbreaking, but still very funny with great mundane family banter. I love the cute soundtrack with the cozy yet quiet New England seaside setting. The movie has a bittersweet ending and it leaves you wanting more, since honestly I could watch this family all day.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Kenneth Lonergan

Director

Casey Affleck

Lee Chandler

Michelle Williams

Randi Chandler

Kyle Chandler

Joe Chandler

Lucas Hedges

Patrick Chandler

C.J. Wilson

George

I, Daniel Blake

92%

85%

I, Daniel Blake

Watchlist

TRAILER

for I, Daniel Blake

American Pastoral

24%

32%

American Pastoral

Watchlist

TRAILER

for American Pastoral

The Headhunter's Calling

17%

57%

The Headhunter's Calling

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Headhunter's Calling

Fruitvale Station

94%

87%

Fruitvale Station

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Fruitvale Station

Wakefield

74%

52%

Wakefield

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Wakefield

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Manchester by the Sea: Trailer 1

2:29

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

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

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings