Manchester by the Sea is getting more and more hype as time goes by and for good reason. As soon as we saw it in Toronto earlier this year we knew that it was something special – in fact you can see our 5* written review from the movie in this handy link or scroll down for our video review.

With Matt Damon as Producer, veteran writer / director Kenneth Lonergan of both stage and screen at the helm and with a cast that includes Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams and Friday Night Lights star Kyle Chandler in the cast, it’s hard not to expect great things. 

Michelle Williams and Casey Affleck - Manchester by the Sea

Manchester by the Sea tells the story of an uncle (Affleck) who is forced to look after his nephew after his father dies.

We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Affleck, Lonergan and Williams a few times over the past few months starting with the premiere at Toronto Film Festival and more recently at London Film Festival and the London junket. First up we get to hear from Michelle Williams who plays Affleck’s wife in the movie as Hayley Dongahy had the pleasure of sitting down with the wonderful actor.

Manchester by the Sea Video Review

In the interview below they discuss the choices she makes and how she likes to push boundaries when it comes to her acting carer. She also talks bout working with (Kenny) Lonergan and how it’s such a highlight working together and how ‘intensely rewarding’ it is working with him. She gives an insight into working with Affleck and how they established their on-screen relationship and how the comedy comes through in this movie and how that’s required to give the balance to the movie.

Manchester by the Sea Premiere Interviews

Finally they discuss her role in Blackbird on Broadway with Jeff Daniels and whether or not we could ever see her treading the boards here in London’s West End and the real reason why she loves going to awards ceremonies – which she needs to get used to after this movie being up for so many including the Golden Globes.

Manchester by the Sea is released in UK cinemas 13th January and this is very much a film you need to see. Our interviews with both Casey Affleck and Kenneth Lonergan will be live in the next couple of weeks so keep your eyes peeled for those.

Michelle Williams Interview