I finally got to see this movie after reading and hearing so much about it when Sundance came around in January. People kept saying it’s a masterpiece and an emotional gut wrencher. From the trailers, it came off as one of those slower movies that’s getting its acclaim from the outstanding acting and writing. However, it also seemed to be a very emotional story and if I can connect with a movie’s characters, I usually get completely engrossed. As I walked into the theatre, I expected to really appreciate the film but not fall in love with it. I was hoping I was wrong though and would have this film at the top of my 2016 list.

     After I walked out the doors, I felt that my prediction was pretty spot on. I’m glad I saw the movie but I don’t imagine revisiting it. The emotion is definitely there. I cared for the characters and rooted for them throughout the story. The movie continuously flashes back between the past and present and I feel that editing wise, it was done extremely well. It makes you pay attention. You don’t get shots characters assuming that overused thinking face and then a cut to the past. It happens without you realizing you’re looking at the past until certain characters enter the scene. It could have felt very confusing and abrupt, but they do it very subtly and make it easy to follow along. The acting is definitely as strong as everyone is making it out to be. Casey Affleck is great as Lee Chandler and encompasses all aspects of the character’s emotions, making you forget you’re watching a movie. I think the actor that might give the strongest performance and is going unnoticed is Lucas Hedges as the nephew, Patrick Chandler. His character feels so natural and it came off as 100% authentic. The basic story structure and character motivations are well thought out and add a lot of depth to the film. It also really strengthens the tragedy that Affleck and the people around him have been forced to endure.

     The problem with the movie lies in the fact that it is a little slow and not too re-watchable. I enjoyed watching the day to day lives of these people and liked seeing the dynamic relationships they have with one another. Its lends itself well to the nature of the story but at the same time it makes me say I’m happy I watched it but don’t have a burning desire to see it again. It just depends on the type of movie you like. I can enjoy slow films and I did like this one but the slower movies are more often than not the ones I never watch twice. For me, the film’s biggest weakness is its ending. It leaves a thought of things untied. There’s open ended movies like Inception or Gone Girl that answer enough questions to keep you satisfied while also painting a level of uncertainty. This one left a few too many questions unanswered for my tastes. The issue was that they weren’t just questions that keep you wondering, guessing, and debating. They were things that left the characters and plot elements from coming full circle and feeling like they had a significant arc throughout the story.

      I’d recommend going out to see this one. I think even though it didn’t fully resonate with me, it will with a lot of you. Again, I still enjoyed it. Also, its nice to get to see what everyone has been hyping for so long and being able to put forth my own input. I’m giving Manchester by the Sea a 7.5/10.