Widely acclaimed, Lonergan’s third feature is as psychologically astute, visually elegant and dramatically subtle as its predecessors. When reclusive, sometimes volatile Boston janitor Lee (Affleck) is told that his fisherman brother has had a heart attack, he returns to his small hometown on the Massachusetts coast. His return is just the start of a turbulent personal odyssey, since he’s forced not only to deal with a troubled teenage nephew (Lucas Hedges) and ex-wife (Michelle Williams), but to revisit painful moments from his time in Manchester. 

Lonergan’s precise, elliptical script and cool, understated direction combine with expressive, nuanced performances to create a sometimes agonising, sometimes witty, always perceptive study of grief, guilt and bitter recrimination. Superior fare. 

- Geoff Andrew, BFI 

“A poignant, surprisingly hilarious depiction of death, grieving, and small-town life.” – APRIL WOLFE, VILLAGE VOICE