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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Audience Member

This movie is so fun. Hope to see a lot more of Plaza and Abbott working together!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/22/24

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Jay C

The creativity of storytelling is what has fascinated me. At every turn you have a question of “What is going on here?” but you keep watching what comes next because the same film absorbs you in both stories. Right at the end everything makes sense and that is what made it incredible to watch. It is very original for those of us who are not in the acting or production world. As a viewer it is refreshing to see something new. The performances are spectacular. Aubrey Plaza surprises me more and more. She exceeded my already high expectations of her.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/11/24

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Sarah D

One of my all time favorite films. Emotionally deviant and captivating. Aubrey is mesmerizing.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/11/24

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Sal D

One of those films you pretend to like to seem like you have taste, but really you hate it because it's boring and pretentious.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/09/24

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David C

I have watched this film a number of times, and it still captivates me. The narrative structure is brilliant with a quick shift before the halfway mark. The main characters build and bristle at the perfect moments. Aubrey Plaza is amazing with her sardonic style, of course, but so are Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon with their angst and realism. The supporting cast provides some relief while keeping the momentum. The writer and director, Lawrence Michael Levine, has created a wrenching, emotional, and darkly comic masterpiece.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/27/23

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Steve D

As with most her films I like the star far more than the material.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

Full Review

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Lawrence Michael Levine

Director

Aubrey Plaza

Allison

Christopher Abbott

Gabe

Sarah Gadon

Blair

Lindsay Burdge

Maude

Alexander Koch

Mike

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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: Productivity Media, Tandem Pictures, Oakhurst Entertainment, Blue Creek Pictures
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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