By the Sea
By the Sea

Movie spotlight

By the Sea

2015
Movie
80 min
Spanish

Searching for his lost father, a boy will have to be strong to survive.

Insights

IMDb5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes32%
Metacritic47/100
Google Users46%
Director: Angelina Jolie PittGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Set in the 1970s on a coastal French town, a couple, Vanessa and Roland, are struggling to mend their marriage. Vanessa, a former dancer, is withdrawn and suffering from a creative block, while Roland, a writer, tries to reconnect with her. As they interact with locals and observe other couples, they confront their own issues and the unspoken truths that have driven them apart.

Critical Reception

By the Sea received largely negative reviews from critics, who found the film to be a slow, self-indulgent, and emotionally hollow portrayal of a failing marriage. While some acknowledged the visual beauty and the performances of the lead actors, the overall consensus was that the film lacked narrative drive and emotional resonance. Audience reception was similarly tepid.

What Reviewers Say

  • Critically panned for its sluggish pace and perceived pretentiousness.

  • Often described as a visually appealing but emotionally distant drama.

  • The film's exploration of marital strife was seen by many as self-indulgent and lacking depth.

Google audience: Google users generally found 'By the Sea' to be a slow-paced and somber film. While some appreciated the artistic direction and the on-screen chemistry of the leads, many felt the movie lacked a compelling story and was too bleak in its portrayal of a troubled relationship.

Fun Fact

Angelina Jolie wrote the screenplay for 'By the Sea' in 2009, intending it to be a raw and honest look at a marriage in crisis, and she and Brad Pitt agreed to star in it only if they were married at the time of filming.

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