I liked this movie. But man, what a downer. I think the tragedy of it actually limits the movie a little bit. It’s forced to take itself very seriously. So there isn’t a lot of room for any other emotion to explore except for grief. The whole film is infused with melancholy – even when it’s not focused directly on the tragic events that build the story’s foundation. There are a few attempts at lightening it up. I wish there were more. Not that I am opposed to a sad movie. But I just think the whole movie would have benefited from more range. Some sort of light to balance the dark.

The performances are great. Casey Affleck obviously gets the spotlight (for both his Oscar-worthy performance and his pre-Weinstein controversy). But I was also impressed with Lucas Hedges’ portrayal of Patrick. I just recently saw him in Three Billboards, and I really like what he brought to the table in both this movie and that one. Manchester by the Sea is a good film, and one that will likely stick with me for a little while.