By the Sea Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stylish couple goes to France to drink wine, smoke cigarettes, and watch their neighbors have more fun than them, which somehow fixes their marriage, probably.

🍿 By the Sea: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Coastal France

In the mid-1970s, Roland (Brad Pitt), an American writer suffering from writer’s block, and Vanessa (Angelina Jolie), a former dancer, arrive at a secluded hotel in coastal France. Their marriage is strained, marked by unspoken resentments and emotional distance. They check in, and Vanessa seems immediately withdrawn and uninterested in their surroundings, while Roland seeks solace in alcohol.

Voyeurism and Intrigue

As they settle into their routine, Vanessa discovers a peephole in the wall connecting their room to the neighboring honeymoon suite. The young, carefree newlyweds, Léa (Mélanie Laurent) and François (Melvil Poupaud), become the object of Vanessa’s intense voyeurism. Roland eventually joins her in watching the couple, and their fascination becomes a twisted way to reconnect. This voyeuristic activity briefly reignites a spark between Roland and Vanessa, offering a temporary escape from their own unhappiness.

Confronting the Past

The constant observation of Léa and François forces Roland and Vanessa to confront the issues within their marriage. Roland’s interactions with the local bar owner, Michel (Niels Arestrup), lead to introspective conversations about love and loss. Vanessa’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, fueled by her pain and unresolved grief. The tension between them builds as they navigate their shared trauma.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Roland (Brad Pitt): An American writer struggling with writer’s block and marital issues while vacationing in France.
• Vanessa (Angelina Jolie): A former dancer dealing with unresolved grief and a strained marriage, seeking solace in voyeurism.
• Lea (Mélanie Laurent): A young, newlywed woman enjoying her honeymoon, unknowingly becoming the object of observation.
• François (Melvil Poupaud): Lea’s husband, an innocent and happy newlywed enjoying his honeymoon.
• Michel (Niels Arestrup): A local bar/café-keeper and hotel owner who provides a listening ear and advice to Roland.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bar Keeper: “If you really love someone, you want more for them than you want for yourself. Do you understand?” – Said by Michel, the bar keeper, offering a perspective on love and selflessness.
• Roland: “Why are we such assholes?” – Roland asks this question in frustration, reflecting on their toxic relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $538,460
• Worldwide Gross: $3,334,927

💥 By the Sea Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘By the Sea’ expecting a sultry, dramatic film, and while it delivered on the aesthetics, it left me feeling a bit cold. The scenery is breathtaking, and the costumes are impeccable, but I struggled to connect with the characters. I appreciate the attempt to portray a complex marriage, but it felt more like watching a beautiful painting than experiencing a real story. The bathtub scene, though, was unexpectedly powerful and stayed with me for a while. I think this film requires patience and an appreciation for art-house cinema to be fully enjoyed.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of European art-house cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films with a focus on atmosphere”
  • “Individuals interested in stories about marriage and grief”
  • “Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt fans who appreciate their serious, dramatic work.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes including marital issues”
  • “Depression and grief”
  • “Voyeurism”
  • “Nudity and sexual content”
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Smoking”

Professional Reviews

• RogerEbert.com: “While visually stunning, “By the Sea” suffers from a lack of emotional depth. Jolie’s direction is confident, but the story meanders, leaving the audience detached from the characters’ struggles. It’s a beautiful film to look at, but ultimately unsatisfying.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “By the Sea is as gorgeous as it is dramatically inert, an exercise in pure style over substance. The performances are subdued, and the narrative unfolds at a glacial pace, making it a challenging watch for those seeking a more engaging experience.
• Variety: “Angelina Jolie’s ‘By the Sea’ is a beautiful postcard from a marriage in crisis, but the lack of emotional resonance ultimately undermines its impact. Despite strong performances from Jolie and Pitt, the film feels more like an exercise in aesthetics than a deeply felt exploration of relationships.

Audience Reactions

Some viewers appreciated the film’s visual beauty and artistic style, finding it a unique and provocative exploration of marriage.: While divisive, many praised the film’s bold approach and its willingness to explore difficult themes with artistic flair.

Others found the film slow-paced and emotionally distant, struggling to connect with the characters and the story.: Many viewers found it hard to relate to the characters

Overall Consensus: ‘By the Sea’ is a visually stunning but emotionally detached film that divides audiences, with some appreciating its artistic ambition and others finding it slow-paced and inaccessible.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Angelina Jolie chose to set the film in the 1970s to remove the distractions of contemporary life and keep the focus on the characters’ emotions.”
• “Filming took place on the island of Gozo, Malta, chosen for its picturesque seaside locations.”
• “This is the first film where Angelina Jolie is billed as Angelina Jolie Pitt.”

🖥️ How to Watch By the Sea?

As of today, there are no readily available streaming options for ‘By the Sea’. Check platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Vudu to see if it becomes available for rent or purchase. You may also be able to find it for sale on physical media, such as Blu-ray or DVD, through retailers like Amazon or major department stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed By the Sea, you might like these similar films:

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): Explores the complexities and raw emotions of a troubled marriage with intense performances and sharp dialogue.
• Last Tango in Paris (1972): Explores themes of grief, sexual obsession, and emotional disconnection against a European backdrop.
• Eyes Wide Shut (1999): Features a couple confronting marital issues and sexual desires, set against a backdrop of mystery and psychological tension.

🛒 By the Sea Related Products

• 1970s French Riviera Style Dress: Capture Vanessa’s effortless chic with a flowing maxi dress inspired by 1970s French Riviera style. Perfect for channeling the film’s aesthetic in your everyday wardrobe. Sold on Amazon.
• Vintage Citroen DS Model Car: Own a detailed replica of the classic Citroen DS, the iconic car featured prominently in the film. A must-have for car enthusiasts and fans of the movie’s vintage aesthetic. Available on Amazon.
• French Perfume Set: Experience the scents of the French Riviera with a curated set of classic French perfumes. Evokes the atmosphere and elegance of the film’s setting. Purchase on Amazon.
• Voyeur Board Game – A Game of Secrets and Intrigue: A board game that explores themes of secrets and observation, challenging players to uncover hidden truths and motivations. Available on Amazon.

🎧 Soundtrack

By the Sea features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jane B” – performed by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin
• “Le Temps de l’Amour” – performed by Francoise Hardy
• “La Madrague” – performed by Brigitte Bardot

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Saddest British “Slasher” Movie You’ve Never Seen

Ever heard of a ‘sad’ slasher? This video breaks down a surprisingly poignant British film you might’ve missed. Honestly, it’s a really insightful look at themes you wouldn’t expect, definitely worth checking out.

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