Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Kenneth Lonergan's shattering drama about grief, guilt, and the weight of a past that cannot be undone.
Manchester by the Sea - Movie Information
- Original Title: Manchester by the Sea
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Kenneth Lonergan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 17, 2016 (Israel), December 16, 2016 (United States - R), January 13, 2017 (United Kingdom - 15), January 19, 2017 (Germany - 12), December 14, 2016 (France - TP), January 26, 2017 (New Zealand), February 2, 2017 (Australia - M), January 19, 2017 (Brazil - 14), February 17, 2017 (Mexico), February 16, 2017 (Italy - T), February 3, 2017 (Spain - 12), February 15, 2017 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Manchester junto al mar (AR), マンチェスター・バイ・ザ・シー：2016 (JP), Yaşamın Kıyısında (TR)
- Production Companies: Pearl Street Films, K Period Media, B Story, The Affleck/Middleton Project, The Media Farm, Big Indie Pictures, Roadside Attractions, Amazon Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Manchester by the Sea - Plot
After his older brother passes away, Lee Chandler is forced to return home to care for his 16-year-old nephew. There he is compelled to deal with a tragic past that separated him from his family and the community where he was born and raised.
Manchester by the Sea - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the emotional world of the film unfold:
I can't beat it.
Where to Watch Manchester by the Sea
Looking for where to watch Manchester by the Sea?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Manchester by the Sea - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kenneth Lonergan
Main Cast
- Casey Affleck
- Lucas Hedges
- Michelle Williams
- Kyle Chandler
- C.J. Wilson
- Gretchen Mol
- Matthew Broderick
- Anna Baryshnikov
- Heather Burns
- Ivy O'Brien
Writers
- Kenneth Lonergan
Producers
- Lauren Beck
- Gigi Pritzker
- Kimberly Steward
- Kevin J. Walsh
- Matt Damon
Manchester by the Sea - FAQs
What is Manchester by the Sea about?
Manchester by the Sea follows Lee Chandler, a withdrawn Boston janitor who returns to his coastal hometown after his brother dies, leaving him as guardian to his teenage nephew Patrick. The film unfolds as a raw, deeply human portrait of grief, guilt, and the limits of healing, anchored by an extraordinary performance from Casey Affleck.
What is the tragic backstory behind Lee Chandler?
Lee's past is revealed gradually through flashbacks. Years before the main story, a devastating house fire — caused by his own negligence — killed his three young children. Though cleared of criminal charges, Lee never forgave himself, and this unresolvable guilt defines his entire existence throughout the film.
Where can you stream Manchester by the Sea?
You can stream Manchester by the Sea on Amazon Prime Video, including the ad-supported tier. It's a straightforward pick if you're already subscribed — just search the title and it's ready to watch.
Does Manchester by the Sea have a hopeful ending?
Not in a conventional sense. Lee cannot overcome his grief or return to his old life — he tells Patrick plainly, “I can't beat it.” Yet the film ends on a quietly tender note, suggesting that small, imperfect connections can coexist with irreparable loss, without offering easy resolution.
Who are the main actors in Manchester by the Sea?
Casey Affleck leads the film as Lee Chandler, with Lucas Hedges delivering a breakout performance as his nephew Patrick. Michelle Williams appears in a relatively brief but unforgettable role as Lee's ex-wife Randi, and Kyle Chandler plays Lee's older brother Joe in extensive flashback sequences.
Is Manchester by the Sea worth watching?
Absolutely — if you're ready for something emotionally demanding. Critics called it one of the finest American dramas in years, and it earned a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's not an easy watch, but its honesty about grief and human limitation makes it genuinely unforgettable.
What awards did Manchester by the Sea win?
The film won two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Casey Affleck and Best Original Screenplay for Kenneth Lonergan. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Lucas Hedges), and Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Williams), making it one of the most decorated films of 2017's awards season.
Where was Manchester by the Sea filmed?
The film was shot almost entirely on location in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, the real coastal town that inspired the title. Additional scenes were filmed in nearby Gloucester and other parts of the North Shore region, giving the film its authentic, wintry New England atmosphere.
More About Manchester by the Sea
Explore further details about Manchester by the Sea on these authoritative sources.