Much like the faulty boat engine that splutters its way through the film, Manchester by the Sea is a thoughtful study on what happens to a family when things completely, irreparably, fall apart.
Directed by Kenneth Lonergan (Margaret) and starring Casey Affleck in his Golden Globe-winning role, the story follows Lee Chandler, a handyman barely getting by in Boston after being struck by the most inconceivable of tragedies. Without warning, he is forced to return to his frosty hometown after the death of his brother (Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights) and pick up the pieces.
What transpires is a no-frills story of grief and loss, eschewing giant cinematic symphonies and dramatic cry-fainting for the quiet, sometimes bleakly hilarious reality of daily life after death.
Slowly revealing Lee's backstory through increasingly shattering flashbacks, Affleck buries a lifetime of hurt beneath his stony veneer. In as much as a sideways glance or a muttering on the pavement, Affleck masterfully delivers slivers of electricity as a man with nothing left to lose. Don't be surprised if he cleans up many more awards for this career-defining role.
As Lee's 16 year-old nephew Patrick, Lucas Hedges provides the perfect tonal counterpoint - his sarcastic quips and hilarious girlfriend exploits bounce off his new caregiver Uncle Lee like a rubber ball off a concrete wall.
