Black Bear

I just love this type of movie, having a such smart and incredible writing, make you think every moment of it. it was a well time spend, unexpected and twisted, playing with things taken to far. Audrey plaza was amazing on her roll. Following by a great cinematography

This film was so fabulously overindulgent it seemed like some studio freak looked at the script and said oh my God I can't believe how inventive and creative this idea is! But in reality it was a millennial geek with absolutely no background of film history who green-lighted this piece of garbage. The first Act was pretty good. The second act was horrific, and literally represents every aspect of Hollywood that makes me cringe. It was a behind-the-scenes look at something that no film fan ever needs to see in their entire lifetime. Enough said, avoid this film like the bubonic plague.

Sometimes Hollywood think they are so original and the audience goes on that because they don't watch enough international cinema. The idea here is not original. The two acts, the film/reality, the allegory, the writers mind... We have all seen this before, and with much more success than here. Good job by Audrey Plaza, some beautiful shots, an interesting part 1 with potential, but that's it. Yeah, we already know that writers/creative people suffer sooo much in the process. We know that Hollywood loves to tell us that it's not easy to be an actor/director/writer, but...I've seen this before and directors like Sion Sono did it better in the past. Much better. PS: I'm starting to think that "subjectivity" or "open to different interpretations" is being used to justify poor endings. This is not a good ending. I know what is an open ending and like them when they are well executed. This is just laziness.

I am endlessly obsessed with puzzle-box narratives within films. Not "mystery" movies, per se, but films that use the very design of the narrative itself to challenge the viewer. "Black Bear" is the ultimate in such filmmaking. For a very basic overview, "Black Bear" sees struggling actress Allison (Aubrey Plaza) embark on a sort of airbnb retreat with couple Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and Blair (Sarah Gadon). One night, the wine gets flowing and the tongues start wagging, and events spiral out of control. Right at the climax, however...the scene completely changes. This time, Plaza's character is the drunken, unreliable actress wife of film director "Abbott", who may or may not be having an affair with Gadon's character. Which narrative is reality and which is the story? That is for the viewer to parse out for him/herself. If the above paragraph sounds a bit confusing, I can't really blame you for thinking that. It sort of has to be seen to allow some measure of comprehension. But basically, director/writer Lawrence Michael Levine sets up two narratives featuring the same trio of actors in slightly different roles. Presumably, one is reality and one is fiction, but few outright answers are given on which is which. The unique frame narratives are clearly the draw here, but any narrative is only as good as the performers that give it life, and that's another area where "Black Bear" is spectacular. Plaza, Abbott, and Gadon are absolutely perfect in each of their dual roles. Even during the times when you might be a little confused (and trust me, that'll happen here from time to time!), the superb chemistry keeps everything on the screen riveting. One thing I will readily admit about "Black Bear" is that it is made for a certain type of viewer. One, like myself, who enjoys the scope and uniqueness of the screenplay just as much as the literal plot/dialogue. I wouldn't necessarily call this a "metaphor film", but rather one that discards a straightforward narrative and instead plays around with alternate storytelling styles. If that's your thing, "Black Bear" will almost certainly stand out as one of the best films you'll see in 2020. My closest comp is 2013's "Enemy" for uniqueness of narrative supported by strong acting.

Aubrey is a great actress, every single role I have ever seen her take on has added to the amazing list of credits she has built up through her life. This one, sadly, is not one of them. She does a fairly competent job taking on a couple of difficult roles in this film, but the entire storyline is completely destroyed by a bit of stunt writing in the second half that supposedly is there to wow the Sundance crowd, but just comes off as a purely self-indulgent parody of real life. There is nothing that redeems the film as it plods on towards the inevitable ending, which anyone can see coming well in advance, and the film lasts over an hour and 45 minutes, which is at least 20 minutes too long. My advice to the filmmakers: hire an Editor who doesn't kowtow to the so-called "Director's Vision" (as if it is a secret manuscript delivered from the Gods to us mortals). As a testament to the qualities that make Aubrey a National Treasure, this film is a bump in an otherwise brilliant career. Thank you Aubrey for taking us on your roller coaster of a ride, but please, next time, stay away from the stunt writing.

It's beautiful but not if you're expecting a traditional or typical kind of a thriller. The plot is awesome and intriguing, it's beautifully confusing. Although there's no clear explanation for what's going on and everyone will get it from their own perspective, you'll just love and enjoy what's going on and you'll feel involved all the time. Black Bear is definitely a movie that will affect you and you'll keep thinking about it for a long time after the credits start rolling. Performances by the three leads are nice. Cinematography is beautiful with many physical beauty. One of the best thrillers this year.