User reviews

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.

I appreciated that this movie tried to do something different, I just don't think it was that great of a story. The main reason to watch it is for Aubrey's performance. That's all this is about.

If only this movie had remained with the realistic and interesting vibes from the first segment it would have been great, the second half where it becomes a movie about the movie is still fun to watch but it made the movie kinda pointless. Aubrey Plaza is amazing in this tho, but when isn't she?

First half 9/10 Second half 6/10

I never knew Aubrey Plaza is such a good actress! The film is captivating and really showcases how good Aubrey Plaza is.

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.

This is definitely a film that leaves you with more questions than answers. There are some high points in the acting, but, in the end, there is just way too much dialogue and not enough story. That being said, the strongest part of this film is Aubrey Plaza. She is fantastic in her role as Allison and the only reason I am rating this 7/10. If you watch this film for anything, watch it for Aubrey Plaza's performance.

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.

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.

I knew going into this movie that it was going to be allegoric and I honestly love that in a movie when it is like a puzzle that you have to pick apart and find the meaning of like many Charlie Kaufman films. But I honestly just couldn't wrap my head around this. I looked up the meaning after and was like "oh that is sort of cool" but I don't think I would ever got there on my own.

I know it had some good ideas but they just didn't get me to where it wanted me.

Aubrey was great as always. She was the best part for me I guess.

I think I wish the meaning was a little looser and more in the background or even tighter and was more of a clear picture.

It will probably click for some people but it just didn't for me maybe I just want paying enough attention or something but then again I'm not sure because I was mostly confused.

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.

Black Bear is an Indie movie, which from the start feels unique and experimental. The music and general atmosphere in the beginning is extraordinary and keeps you waiting for a misterious and dark journey into the mind of the charactar. Unfortunately, the overall premise of the film seems plain and pointsless at some point. The movie is missing a clear red line. This can be good for certain types of movies, but here the movie just feels like it is floating through space without clear direction. Nonetheless, Black Bear is interesting enough to keep the viewer intrigued threw its full run time. Especially artists, writers and creatives should enjoy this movie since it carefully depicts the process of creativity. Nonetheless, it feels like the something more and deeply meaningfull is hidden in this movie. 6/10.

Black Bear is an experimental drama that essentially offers three different scenarios. The real scenario is actually quite short and incomplete as it revolves around a female filmmaker who seeks for creative inspiration at a rural retreat. The second scenario is the first one she imagines as she invents to be welcomed as a guest in a young couple's cabin in the woods as the relationships between the three characters dramatically spiral out of control. The third and final scenario is another product of the filmmaker's imagination as she incarnates as a self-centered actress who nearly drives her colleagues insane on the last day of shooting at a rural retreat.

The first scenario is calm, introspective and short as its scenes are only briefly shown at the very beginning, between the two other scenarios and at the very end of the movie. The second scenario has a length of about forty-five minutes and can be described as a tense drama. The interactions between the three characters develop intensely and lead to an emotional finale. The third scenario also has a length of about forty-five minutes and could rather be described as a comedy or even satire. It follows an eccentric actress and her rather disorganized film crew who go through all sorts of comedic and dramatic emotions on an eventful last day of shooting. The second and the third scenario both involve the appearance of a cute female black bear at the very end, hence the title of this film.

The idea to tell three different stories in one single film is certainly quirky, entertaining and creative. Especially the unpredictable third scenario is addicting from start to finish. The natural landscapes, the cabin in the woods and the black bear are beautiful to watch. Lead actress Aubrey Plaza shines in all scenarios and shows how versatile her acting skills are.

On the other side, the three scenarios aren't properly connected. The final result is at times incohesive and uneven. The main plot is simple and thin. This movie might only be interesting for fans of experimental arthouse cinema and lead actress Aubrey Plaza.

In the end, Black Bear is an experimental arthouse film that mixes comedy and drama elements in three quirky scenarios. This movie is recommended to those who like films that walk off the beaten path while more conventional viewers might be at a loss here. Aubrey Plaza's diversified acting skills make a promising premise successful as this very good film could have been below average with a less talented actress. Give this film a try if you want to discover something unusual, fresh and exciting.

Started out fine, seemed to be going somewhere, then they throw a bunch of vague unexplained gobbledygook at the audience. Now, I went to art school, and I studied screenwriting, so I can roll with symbolism, metaphors, and surrealism with the best of them, but a filmmaker has to decide whether they're making a film for a mass audience or for themselves. I have no doubt the director of this knows exactly what it all means, but that director failed to make it known to the audience. Fail.

Aubrey Plaza is on fire: Emily the Criminal, Ingrid Goes West, The White Lotus, and this. She has become the queen of small (White Lotus aside) complex and intelligent films where she has the opportunity to show what a wonderful and unique actress she is. This movie is not a good as the others, but Plaza is just as good in this as she is in the others. This complicated, almost anthology, weaves the three staring characters, of which Plaza is one, in a varied take and look on the three main characters' experiences in filmmaking and on a lake house. Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon are terrific in multiple roles. They manage to be interesting and believable and diverse enough to make you think, "what the hell am I watching?". What is real? What is fake? Maybe that doesn't matter. Plaza is amazing.

.. and at least you would have a cleaner shot at the targeted demographic. Plaza has a huge following because of her clever media promotions and her fans might possibly enjoy this. As a standalone film, however, it is a throwback to the ragtag non-linear experimental films of the early 70s. Which is a polite way of saying that it probably works better if the viewer has pre-ingested an assortment of mood modifiers.