Manchester by the Sea
2016

Opening 19 Jan 2017

Directed by: Kenneth Lonergan
Writing credits: Kenneth Lonergan
Principal actors: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges

Lee (Affleck) a janitor in Boston is shocked when, after his brother Kyle’s (Chandler) death, he is made sole guardian of his teenage nephew Patrick (Hedges).  These events force Lee to return to his hometown Manchester-by-the-Sea, a place he had thought he left behind.

A heart-wrenching exploration of the human ability to ‘get passed’ tragic mistakes. Lee is a quiet man who seems empty of life. It is obvious from the beginning that Lee is a man who has a dark secret, something tragic has happened in his past. Through his tender and then brutal memories it is slowly revealed what his past holds. And the hold that past has on this shell of a man.

As the compelling musical score leads us through the heartbreak with requiem-like music we are left with an understanding of what it truly means to not be able to ‘get past’ it. (Christine Riney)