Manchester by the Sea Christian Review
There are certain films that refuse to leave you once you’ve watched them. Manchester by the Sea is one of those rare cinematic experiences. It doesn’t just tell a story; it forces you to sit with the weight of human suffering, almost like you’re holding it in your hands, turning it over and over, trying to figure out what to do with it. Directed by Kenneth Lonergan, this film has a rawness that cuts to the bone, a sort of relentless honesty that is both difficult to watch and impossible to look away from. It’s a story that, while uniquely its own, feels like it could be anyone’s—because grief, pain, and the struggle to move forward are universal experiences, ones that can consume us and define us in ways we never thought possible.
The Unbearable Weight of Suffering
At the center of Manchester by the Sea is Lee Chandler, played by Casey Affleck in a performance that feels less like acting and more like observing someone in real life. Lee is a man broken by an unspeakable tragedy, the kind that shatters a person from the inside out, leaving them hollow. When we meet him, he’s just existing, living a monotonous life as a handyman in Quincy, Massachusetts. You can feel the weight of his past in every frame; it’s there in his slouched shoulders, the distant look in his eyes, and the way he interacts with the world around him.
Life, though, doesn’t let you hide from your past forever. When his brother, Joe, dies unexpectedly, Lee is forced to return to Manchester-by-the-Sea, the small fishing village where he grew up. This return dredges up memories he’d rather leave buried, and we’re taken back in time to understand the trauma that has left him so deeply scarred. The film slowly reveals the heartbreaking loss that destroyed his life, a loss so great that it seems impossible for anyone to recover from.
For Christians, Lee’s story resonates on a deeper, spiritual level. We see in him the embodiment of human suffering, a reminder that we live in a broken, fallen world. There’s a scene in the film where a character tells Lee, “You can’t just die because you’re too afraid to live.” It’s a simple line, but it speaks to a profound truth. How many of us, when faced with the overwhelming weight of life’s hardships, feel like giving up? How many of us feel like we can’t carry the load any longer?
In this way, Lee’s story becomes a reflection of the struggles we all face. The Bible tells us that suffering is inevitable in this life, but it also promises that we don’t have to face it alone. Lee, though, is a man who has shut himself off from grace, from the possibility of healing. His isolation is palpable, and it’s a reminder of what happens when we try to carry our burdens by ourselves.
Guilt and the Search for Forgiveness
One of the most powerful aspects of Manchester by the Sea is its exploration of guilt and the difficulty of forgiveness—both from others and from oneself. As the film reveals more of Lee’s past, we come to understand the depth of his self-loathing. The tragedy that destroyed his family was, in some way, his fault, and the guilt of that event has consumed him ever since.
For Christians, the theme of guilt is intimately tied to the concept of sin and redemption. We all carry guilt for the things we’ve done wrong, but the Bible tells us that we don’t have to live under the weight of that guilt forever. Through Christ, we are offered forgiveness and the chance to start anew. But for Lee, that forgiveness feels out of reach. He’s been so deeply wounded by what happened that he doesn’t believe he deserves redemption. He’s trapped in a prison of his own making, unable to accept the grace that’s offered to him.
This is perhaps one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the film. We see moments where Lee is offered kindness, moments where he could begin to heal, but he turns away from them, unable to believe that healing is even possible. There’s a scene where he runs into his ex-wife, and she tells him that she’s forgiven him. But even then, he can’t accept it. His pain is too great, his guilt too deep.
In this way, Manchester by the Sea challenges us to think about the ways we hold on to our own guilt. How often do we refuse the forgiveness that’s offered to us, believing that we don’t deserve it? The Bible tells us that God’s grace is sufficient, that no sin is too great to be forgiven. But like Lee, we sometimes choose to carry our guilt instead of laying it down at the foot of the cross.
Redemption and the Small Glimmers of Hope
Manchester by the Sea is not a film that offers easy answers. It doesn’t tie everything up in a neat bow, and it doesn’t give us the happy ending we might expect. Lee doesn’t magically heal by the end of the movie; he doesn’t suddenly forgive himself or find peace. But that’s what makes the film so powerful. It’s honest about the fact that healing is a long, difficult process, and sometimes it feels impossible.
And yet, there are small moments of grace throughout the film, moments that remind us that even in the darkest times, hope is still possible. Lee’s relationship with his nephew, Patrick, becomes a lifeline for him. While he may not be able to fully heal, he can still show love to Patrick, and that love is a small step toward healing.
As Christians, we’re reminded that even when life feels unbearable, we are never without hope. The Bible tells us that God is near to the brokenhearted, that He will never leave us or forsake us. In Manchester by the Sea, we see glimpses of this truth. Lee may never fully recover from his loss, but he doesn’t have to face it alone.
A Masterclass in Acting and Direction
It’s impossible to talk about Manchester by the Sea without mentioning the incredible performances. Casey Affleck’s portrayal of Lee is nothing short of masterful. His performance is understated, but it’s in the small details that we see the depth of his pain. There’s a scene where he breaks down in front of a fire, and it’s one of the most devastating moments in the film. Affleck doesn’t overplay it; instead, he lets the rawness of the moment speak for itself.
Kenneth Lonergan’s direction is equally impressive. He doesn’t rush the story, allowing it to unfold slowly and naturally. The film’s pacing mirrors the way grief works—it’s not something that can be resolved quickly. Lonergan understands this, and he gives the film the space it needs to breathe.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Manchester by the Sea is not an easy film to watch, but it’s an important one. It’s a movie that forces us to confront the reality of suffering, guilt, and the long, difficult process of healing. For Christians, it’s a reminder of the importance of grace, the power of forgiveness, and the hope that is always available to us, even in the darkest times.
While the film doesn’t offer a tidy resolution, it leaves us with a sense that healing, while difficult, is possible. It’s a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our suffering and that, with grace, we can begin to find our way back to wholeness.
Rating: 9/10
