Black Bear

Rather than dig too deep I'll just write that some truly outstanding performances couldn't save this film from stunt-scripting to cover up a really weak idea, just not plot-wise (though a film doesn't need a strong narrative to be good), but nothing worked *but* the acting (this film really was under-edited as well as another really weak point that jumped out. This film had enough juice for a good short, but was even as a feature way too long for whatever pay-off it gives.

The whole thing struck me as really pretentious and derivative. I didn't see anything here original or that I haven't seen done before and much better. Worth a watch if you aren't expecting more than some really great acting and none of the structure required around that to make a decent film.

Though I have some theories as to the reason behind - or, perhaps, meaning of - its non-traditional structure, they're really not that relevant when it comes to discussing 'Black Bear (2020)'. That's because the thing is far more focused on delivering an in-the-moment emotional experience than a completely cohesive intelligent one, its mid-point shake-up seeming to exist primarily so that the writer/director can tell the story he wants to tell without being constrained by traditional narrative form. It's difficult to describe what I mean without spoiling things so I'll just leave it at that. The film itself is a beguiling and engaging drama that opens with a filmmaker coming to stay at a beautiful cabin, seemingly in the hope of finding inspiration for her newest project, and having to navigate the tense relationship of the pregnant couple who owns it. Like its protagonist, it's decidedly hard to read; almost anything could happen and it wouldn't feel out of place. This makes for a surprisingly compelling experience, though. The characters are crafted with precision, both in terms of writing and in terms of performance, and the social dynamics that the plot explores are varied, interesting and often unexpected. Sometimes, it feels a bit like a play, probably due to its small cast and near real-time unravelling. There's just something a bit claustrophobic about it all, which works in its favour as it helps to create an oddly enigmatic tone. As I've mentioned, it's hard to discuss the picture without spoiling a key aspect of it. I suppose I'll just leave it at this: it's an entertaining and unique experience that features some great performances (including perhaps Aubrey Plaza's best yet). 7/10.

It's not a memorable movie, but it gets a clear thumbs up for two reasons.

First, it's creative. It's not your run of the mill sequel, there are no superheroes, no explosions, no bullshit. It's an awkward, trippy, but surprisingly alluring story that leaves a lot up to interpretation. That's genuinely nice for a change.

Second, the acting is legitimately good. To see actors digging deep and putting on strong, emotional performances is a puff of fresh air.

Solid film if you're up for something a little out of the left field.

This is an indie film about creatives. Writing, acting, making a movie, extreme emotions and their expression. Yes, the meta film is back in business and it stars Aubrey Plaza, which is the only reason why I watched it in the first place. Only instead of the sharp wit and weird sense of humor I had expected it's all just about women being jealous of each other and coveting the same man, then screaming about it because... artists. For two hours straight.

If you like films made by movie people about movie people, if you like uncomfortable scenes of anguish and people being asses to one another and have two extra hours you don't know what to do with, this is for you.

The average rating I gave is mostly because it was really well acted, which is why the film was probably done: to let actors show their "range" in a story without an actual subject.

An intricately layered, fiendishly plotted & anxiety-inducing thriller that's further bolstered by Aubrey Plaza's powerfully captivating performance, Black Bear is an emotionally charged & increasingly unnerving ride that's clever & confounding in equal measure and offers an interesting insight into the behind-the-scenes chaos of art creation.

Written & directed by Lawrence Michael Levine, the film only gets more n more intense & uncomfortable as it progresses, and sustains its uneasy aura from the first frame to the last. Levine's enigmatic treatment keeps the viewers guessing and although he doesn't provide any answer, he does manage to create just the right kind of intrigue for us to continue looking for it.

Assisting the psychologically scarring drama is the haunting sound design that never allows us to settle. And then there are fabulous performances that make this journey even more worthwhile. Christopher Abbott & Sarah Gadon deliver strong inputs while Aubrey Plaza steals the show with a phenomenal rendition that's impressive enough to qualify as arguably her career-best work.

Overall, Black Bear is a dark, delirious & disturbing delight that's as subversive as it is solipsistic and while far from an easy film to decipher in one sitting, it is able to keep our interest & involvement alive throughout its runtime. One of the most challenging & stimulating films of the year, this meta-thriller paints a fascinating portrait of art imitating life imitating art, and is worth viewing for Aubrey Plaza's commanding showcase alone.