Black Bear – A Stellar Dark Dramedy

Chaotic, meta & deceitful. Those are simply a few words that would only begin to fully describe Lawrence Michael Levine’s dark dramedy Black Bear.

Black Bear follows Allison (Plaza), a filmmaker on a retreat in an isolated cabin in the woods. While trying to pen her new screenplay, her “inner demons” are brought out as events around her slowly begin to escalate. That is saying the absolute bare minimum about the film as it is twistier than a country road and is ultimately best when going into it as blind as possible. The film is truly a perfect combination of mumblecore, dark comedy, thriller and metaness that is sure to make viewers laugh at excellent line of dialogue one minute before dropping their collective jaws as a result of a disturbing sequence the next. Levine’s screenplay is easily one of the best of the year with every single word illicting authenticity and realism.

That being said, Black Bear is a film that is surely going to subvert audience expectations. Now just don’t expect much in the way of answers as the film’s open-ended nature leaves a lot up to interpretation by viewers all the way what will likely be a divisive ending. However, the film approaches it in a compelling way that feels right. Suffice it to say that for those that are okay with having their collective minds played like drums, this film without a doubt will be for them.

On a technical level, Black Bear features truly exceptional cinematography. The film is beautifully shot and paired with a stunning color palette, resulting in a real treat for the eyes. Every camera movement feels perfectly smooth and allows the film to flow with grace. In terms of the other performances, Gadon as Blair gives a career high performance that felt so raw and powerful. Meanwhile, though the supporting cast all deliver, in the end, they all give way to Plaza who easily delivers her best performance since Ingrid Goes West.

At the end of the day, Black Bear is a near masterpiece that deserves to be talked about but it is nearly impossible to do so without giving anything away as not a second of its 100+ minute running time is wasted. What are you all waiting for? Go see it if you can.

Check out our interview with Lawrence Michael Levine.

still courtesy of Pacific Northwest Pictures

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Jaeden Noel