In a world where we are often taught to be strong and move past pain quickly, the film Just Someone (Manchester by the Sea) dares to say that it's okay to not be okay. It is one of the most beautiful and realistic poems of sadness in the last decade.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is a janitor in Boston living a quiet life. One day, he must return to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea when his brother Joe dies of heart disease. Lee becomes the guardian of Patrick (Lucas Hedges), his teenage nephew at a crossroads in life.
This return forces Lee to confront the painful past he has been trying to escape, including the people and memories he left behind. The film slowly reveals the reasons for Lee's estrangement from his family and community through non-linear storytelling.
Acting and Characters
Casey Affleck delivers a powerful and subdued performance that is almost speechless. He conveys the suppressed pain through his eyes and body language with minimal dialogue. The scene where he meets his ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams) is one of the most emotionally devastating ever filmed.
Michelle Williams, despite limited screen time, explodes with emotion in every moment she appears, bringing audiences to tears. Lucas Hedges as Patrick is natural, realistically portraying the confusion of a teenager who has lost his father and must live with a strange uncle.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Kenneth Lonergan, director and screenwriter, excels at creating the atmosphere of a small, cold, and lonely town. Cinematography by Jody Lee Lipes captures the beauty of winter in Massachusetts with a melancholic tone that matches the characters' emotions.
The score by Lesley Barber uses simple yet powerful piano and strings, enhancing every emotion of the film, especially during moments when characters confront painful memories.
Editorial Analysis
What sets Just Someone apart from other dramas is its refusal to offer a neat 'solution.' The film does not try to say everything will be fine or that the characters will move past their pain. Instead, it acknowledges that sometimes sadness is a part of life we must learn to live with.
The non-linear flashback storytelling helps us understand Lee more deeply without needing much explanatory dialogue. The film uses silence and images effectively instead of words, and that is what makes it a masterpiece.
Verdict
<p>For those tired of dramas that force hope on the audience, <strong>Just Someone</strong> is a breath of honesty. It is a film worth watching at least once in a lifetime, especially for those dealing with loss or who understand that sometimes pain does not have to go away. This film affirms that it's okay to not be okay.</p>
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Casey Affleck's realistic and powerful performance
- +Screenplay that dares to address pain that never heals
- +Atmosphere and visuals that match the story's emotions
- +Engaging non-linear storytelling
👎 Cons
- −Slow pacing may not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced films
- −Heavy and depressing content throughout
Top Cast
FAQ
Currently available on Netflix (in some regions) and for rent or purchase on iTunes, Google Play, etc.
The film won 2 Oscars: Best Actor (Casey Affleck) and Best Original Screenplay.
The film is very heavy and sad throughout, which may feel depressing. It is not suitable for a first date, but if you and your partner enjoy quality dramas, this is a good choice.
No spoilers, but the ending aligns with the film's theme: it does not have a sweet happy ending but feels realistic and warm in its own way.
