Black Bear

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Black Bear

R

Released Dec 4, 2020

1h 44m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

161 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

A filmmaker plays a calculated game of desire and jealousy in pursuit of a work of art that blurs the boundaries between autobiography and invention.

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Critics Consensus

A fascinating look at the creative intricacies of show business, Black Bear is a provocative, mind-bending experience -- and finds Aubrey Plaza at the top of her game.

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Christina Newland

iNews.co.uk

Plaza is wonderful in the role of Alison, going from slithery, diffident cool girl in the first vignette to howlingly paranoid wronged wife in the second.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 23, 2024

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Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

Even if you spot the final twist coming a mile off, there are a few mysteries left to ponder -- and on the other hand, there can be little doubt that Plaza's performance is a tour de force.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 16, 2021

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Katherine McLaughlin

Sight & Sound

Aubrey Plaza is an unpredictable powerhouse in writer-director Lawrence Michael Levine's two-part negotiation of the untrustworthy power dynamics of a filmmaking couple.

May 11, 2021

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Ben Flanagan

Vague Visages

Black Bear does, after all, stink of men writing women as cute dolls to be played with. It’s the sardonic, versatile Plaza performance that saves Levine’s Black Bear.

Feb 6, 2024

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Alessandra Rangel

InSession Film

Black Bear is an enveloping experience that shines because of the shameless commitment of its stars and the privileged view it provides on the abusive bond between artists. Just do not try to find an answer to everything you see on screen.

Rated: B

Mar 20, 2023

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Dallas King

Flick Feast

Black Bear is a fascinating study of the subjectivity of art and a fantastic showcase for a trio of actors working at the top of their game.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 12, 2022

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Tim W

What makes my heart beat with baited anticipation is what next is coming from Aubrey Plaza. Her performance in the last 10 minutes is stunning; and how the characters contrived to put her in that mindset was clever and diabolical.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/31/25

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Wesley H

This is a brain-dead dumb movie that makes no sense whatsoever. Don't waste two hours of your life. The critics think this is good? You're joking! This tripe gives movies a bad name. If you haven't got a good script, you've got nothing. OK, in reading other reviews Aubrey Plaza acted brilliantly? Whoopee. The movie is a complete fail so that makes her performance a waste of time, better served with a good script.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/13/25

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Scott M

This is split into 2 stories where the 2 female characters take turns being angry and hurt because of the guy's infidelity. It's well acted, but overall didn't feel anything in the end. Overdramatic, like a soap opera.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/10/25

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Ilaria D

I was a bit confused by the plot, but Aubrey Plaza stole the show. It was so emotional and raw. I was very impressed. Amazing acting!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

Full Review

Roy R

Apparently, in writing school, one is taught early a writer shouldn't deceive the audience by revealing at the end it wasn't real; a dream or only versions of something that maybe played out. Scene 1 is sold by a steamy Audrey Plaza and the sparks between the characters - stylish but it is cut short. Scene 2 ripped me out of that state of anticipation into a chaotic script that turned all before upside down into an overplayed drama, except for the Black Bear. Then the closing scene made me feel I wasted 2 hours watching it.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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Kenny K

I don't get the good ratings. Terrible movie. Snooze fest.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

Full Review

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Lawrence Michael Levine

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Aubrey Plaza

Allison

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Synopsis

A filmmaker plays a calculated game of desire and jealousy in pursuit of a work of art that blurs the boundaries between autobiography and invention.

Director: Lawrence Michael Levine
Producer: Jonathan Blitstein, Richard J. Bosner, Julie Christeas, Marina Grasic, Jai Khanna, Lawrence Michael Levine, Aubrey Plaza, Sophia Takal
Screenwriter: Lawrence Michael Levine
Distributor: Momentum Pictures
Production Co: Oakhurst Entertainment, Tandem Pictures, Blue Creek Pictures, Productivity Media
Rating: R (Sexual Content|Language Throughout|Drug Use|Some Nudity)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 4, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 4, 2020
Runtime: 1h 44m

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