Shot in August 2014 during Pitt and Jolie's honeymoon in Gozo, Malta, the film was released by Universal Pictures on November 14, 2015.

They have rented an elegant suite at a local hotel, where Roland, a successful author suffering from writers’ block, hopes to find the inspiration to write a new book.

The two are barely on speaking terms; Vanessa, a former dancer, is withdrawn and grieving for an unknown reason, whereas Roland spends his days drinking in a local bar, where he strikes up a friendship with the manager, Michel.

[3] The Hollywood Reporter speculated it would be a relationship drama that Jolie wrote several years ago, centering on a couple with issues who take a vacation in a last-ditch effort to save their marriage.

[5][6] Jolie stated that the film "at its core, is about grief" further noting that the loss of her mother in 2007 caused a great deal of sadness for her.

The site's consensus reads, "By the Sea may intrigue celebrity voyeurs or fans of a certain type of arthouse cinema, but for most viewers, its beauty won't be enough to offset its narrative inertia.

[18] Justin Chang, chief film critic for Variety said: "By the Sea always offers something to tickle the eye and ear, even as it leaves the heart and mind coolly unstirred.