Based on actual events involving NYC Police detective, Vincent LaMarca (DeNiro) who finds out his estranged son has been accused of murder. But the news is doubly shocking when we learn that LaMarca's father had be given the electric chair for the kidnapping and murder of a baby girl years earlier.

A nice character study for DeNiro and very good supporting roles, especially from McDormand and Franco. DeNiro is relaxed, but troubled as LaMarca and he and Franco share some wonderful scenes together.

There is not much in the way of action and the script is not all that close to perfect; but there is a gentle hand at work here that makes us feel empathy for LaMarca. And our interest is rewarded with several very nice performances. City by the Sea certainly is not the most memorable of films, especially DeNiro's films, but it is an interesting and largely entertaining film notwithstanding.

Directed by Michael Caton-Jones.