Kenneth Lonergan is a master of writing real people, resplendent in their absurdity, staggering in their endurance of grief. Sometimes his work can be indulgent in its meditation, such as the flawed Margaret. But in the hear wrenching Manchester By The Sea, the director ensures that ideas never overtake humanity.
The most devastating losses in one’s life can be followed by a hospital gurney folding awkwardly; grief may be triggered by frozen dinners cascading out of a freezer. It’s these huge and small moments, the organic blend of tragedy and humour, that make Manchester By The Sea so constantly funny and ultimately devastating.
Casey Affleck stars as Lee, a taciturn janitor who returns to his hometown after the death of his brother (Kyle Chandler). Kyle’s will stipulates that Lee should be the guardian of his teenage son Patrick (Lucas Hedges), but Lee’s horror at the prospect indicates a past trauma deeper than normal familial dysfunction.
While figuring out their future together, Lee and Patrick bond with the mocking affection of men not encouraged to express emotion. While their witty deflections help them survive their shared loss, it’s clear that running from pain is Lee’s MO, and it’s been hurting him for years. Prone to drinking and fighting, Lee is obviously punishing himself. When the reason for his self-loathing is finally revealed, the heartbreak is almost overwhelming to watch.
Affleck is stunning in the role, both witty and quietly tormented. A scene with Lee and his ex-wife (Michelle Williams) is an Oscar-worthy masterclass, conveying the inexpressible from opposite sides of the emotional spectrum. 
With graceful flashbacks, wonderfully real cinematography and a powerful score, Lonergan’s tale is a heartbreaking work.
Manchester by the Sea trailer: