Nov. 18, 2016|USA|138 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: Lee Chandler, a solitary janitor living in Quincy, Massachusetts, receives devastating news—his brother Joe, a fisherman, has suffered a cardiac arrest and passes away before Lee can reach the hospital. Lee takes it upon himself to inform Joe’s teenage son, Patrick, of the tragedy. While arranging the funeral, they learn that Joe’s burial must be postponed until spring due to frozen ground. Lee decides to stay in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, in Patrick’s home until the burial can take place. However, during a meeting with Joe’s attorney, Lee is stunned to discover that Joe has named him as Patrick’s legal guardian.
A series of flashbacks reveal Lee’s past in Manchester, where he once lived with his wife Randi and their three young children. A tragic incident unfolds when Lee, drunk one night, forgets to secure the fireplace, resulting in a fatal house fire that claims the lives of his children. Although no criminal charges are filed, the police deem it a tragic accident. Overcome with guilt, Lee attempts to take his own life but fails. The trauma leads to his divorce from Randi and his departure from Manchester. Haunted by the past, Lee hesitates to accept the responsibility of guardianship and resists returning to the town where his children died.
Despite his reluctance, Lee starts planning for Patrick to move to Boston with him. However, Patrick, deeply rooted in the Manchester community, opposes the idea. Lee agrees to stay until the end of the school year, during which he and Patrick gradually rebuild their bond. Their relationship is tested by disagreements over Joe’s boat, Patrick’s romantic involvements, and their living arrangements.
Further flashbacks reveal that Patrick’s mother, Elise, struggled with substance abuse and abandoned the family. Lee strongly opposes any attempt by Patrick to reconnect with her, fearing the potential emotional turmoil it could bring. Through their shared grief and challenges, Lee and Patrick navigate the complexities of loss, responsibility, and reconciliation.
Cast director: Kenneth Lonergan
Cast actor: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges, Gretchen Mol, C.J. Wilson, Heather Burns, Ben O’Brien, Josh Hamilton, Matthew Broderick
Original name: Manchester by the Sea