Overview

By the Sea is a slow-burning romantic drama set in France during the 1970s. It follows Vanessa (Angelina Jolie) and Roland (Brad Pitt), a married couple whose relationship has become strained and distant. They arrive at a quiet seaside hotel seeking solace, but underlying tensions, grief, and unspoken resentment slowly surface. Through encounters with other guests and introspective moments, the film explores themes of love, loss, regret, and reconciliation.

Highlights

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt deliver deeply personal and intimate performances, portraying the complexities of a failing marriage.

Jolie’s direction emphasizes atmosphere and visual storytelling, using long takes, muted colors, and evocative cinematography to reflect emotional states.

The seaside setting is beautifully captured, creating a sense of isolation, melancholy, and reflection.

Supporting cast, including Mélanie Laurent and Niels Arestrup, adds depth and nuance to the hotel’s microcosm of interpersonal relationships.

The film delves into mature themes of grief, trauma, and emotional estrangement with a contemplative, almost poetic approach.

Verdict

By the Sea is a visually stunning and emotionally intimate film, though its deliberate pacing and introspective focus may not appeal to all viewers. It’s a thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and human vulnerability, anchored by the palpable chemistry and performances of Jolie and Pitt.

Rating: 6.8/10