IMDb 6.4 2016 HD

Live by Night

Live by Night

2016
Crime Drama Thriller
129 min R USA
6.3 / 10
6.4 IMDB

A group of Boston-bred gangsters set up shop in balmy Florida during the Prohibition era, facing off against the competition and the Ku Klux Klan.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Ben Affleck / David Webb
Starring
Ben Affleck / Elle Fanning / Brendan Gleeson / Chris Messina / Sienna Miller / Zoe Saldaña / Chris Cooper / Remo Girone

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

stylish atmospheric gritty ambitious predictable solid engaging competent immersive classic uneven dark

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 18, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

In 'Live by Night', Ben Affleck crafts a stylish and ambitious crime saga that captures the spirit of the Prohibition era. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, with each actor contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 18, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

Despite its impressive cast and lavish production values, 'Live by Night' struggles to escape the shadow of its genre influences. Ben Affleck's direction leans heavily into classic gangster tropes, creating a film that is aesthetically pleasing but narratively…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 18, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Live by Night' is a masterclass in period filmmaking, transporting viewers directly into the heart of the Roaring Twenties' illicit underbelly. Ben Affleck directs with a confidence that belies the genre's complexities, orchestrating a narrative that is both…

A
Arthur Pendelton
Apr 18, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

The ambition of 'Live by Night' is palpable, aiming for a sweeping Prohibition-era epic. Affleck directs with a steady hand, crafting a world that feels authentic, from the speakeasies to the opulent facades. The performances are generally strong,…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 18, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Ben Affleck's foray into directing and starring in 'Live by Night' offers a visually rich, if somewhat familiar, dive into the Prohibition-era underworld. The film paints a compelling picture of ambition and its cost, with Affleck leading a…

FAQs

While 'Live by Night' is set in America, its exploration of organised crime, rivalries, and the consequences of illicit activities might resonate with Australian audiences familiar with similar themes in local cinema. The focus on a criminal enterprise, its rise, and its inherent dangers could offer a comparable dramatic experience, albeit in a different cultural context.