Predicted Critical Consensus: "A vapid, meandering relationship drama, By the Sea is a beautifully shot and well-acted but ultimately empty vanity project for its two stars." The vague trailer released for this Angelina Jolie-directed drama suggests the film will benefit from sharp cinematography and the undeniable sex appeal of its stars, but critics are certainly going to have their self-indulgence radar turned up to max given how easily this could be a total mess. In addition, both of Jolie's directorial efforts to date have scored mixed notices with critics (In the Land of Blood and Honey has 55%, Unbroken has 49%), and with Jolie also writing this film from scratch, critics may well be expecting it to turn out like a "poor man's Before Midnight", because a lot of general audiences sure are. It could be a pleasant surprise, but with Brad Pitt practically duty-bound to star in it, there are just so many pitfalls this one could land in.