By the Sea (2015 film)

By the Sea is a 2015 American romantic drama film written, directed, and produced by Angelina Jolie Pitt. The film stars Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt, marking their second collaboration as leads after Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005).

The film follows Vanessa (Jolie Pitt), a former dancer, and her husband Roland (Pitt), an American writer, as they travel to a tranquil seaside resort in 1970s France. Their marriage is visibly strained and they are emotionally distant from each other. They spend their time observing the other guests, particularly a newlywed couple, Léa (Mélanie Laurent) and François (Melvil Poupaud).

As Vanessa and Roland observe the younger couple, they begin to confront their own unresolved issues and the state of their relationship. Vanessa becomes increasingly obsessed with Léa and François, finding a voyeuristic escape from her own unhappiness. Roland, meanwhile, struggles with writer's block and heavy drinking.

By the Sea explores themes of grief, intimacy, communication, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The film's tone is melancholic and introspective, focusing on the emotional landscape of its characters. The film's setting provides a visually stunning backdrop for the characters' internal struggles, but the isolated location also serves to emphasize their emotional isolation.