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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Kenny K

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

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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Audience Member

I love movies like this. Just a great cast performing masterfully in-between each other. Christopher Abbott is nice as always, Sarah Gadon is a cool addition, but Aubrey Plaza is next level. Aubrey.. if Elizabeth Olsen didn't exist, then I'd say Aubrey is the best right now. This is a great BTS type of movie in a Friday the 13th setting, without the horror, just pure character drama focused on a trouble woman, and also the process of filmmaking. Thank you!!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/21/25

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Hannah F

Incredible. Aubrey Plaza!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/07/25

Full Review

Michael O

Honestly, not entirely sure I got it. Though maybe it was intentionally vague. Definitely didn't seem to hold your hand there in the middle or end. Which i appreciate, but there's no multi tasking while watching this, for no other reason than you're going to think you've missed something - maybe you have, maybe you haven't, but you will *think* that you missed something. A rather unique approach to telling a story. Some will say the end was a lazy cop out or a tacked-on afterthought, or that the whole story was written around the twist. They will accuse the the movie of being artsy-fartsy. Maybe so But I love Aubrey Plaza so that's enough reason for me to revisit. And now that my expectations are in order, perhaps I'll appreciate it more the second time around.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/25

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Eden O

When I saw Aubrey Plaza was in it I thought it was going to be good, I was wrong.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

Full Review

Lewis M

Once again- the world of independent cinema gets passed over. Aubrey Plaza's performance in the second half of this film is Academy Award material. It reminds me of the intensity of a film Tilda Swinton once made called Julia. One of those blow you out the chair performances. Black Bear is a decent enough film made on a low budget. It was compelling and bold. Not an easy watch but definitely worth seeing. I highly recommend it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

Full Review

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Lawrence Michael Levine

Director

Aubrey Plaza

Allison

Christopher Abbott

Gabe

Sarah Gadon

Blair

Lindsay Burdge

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Alexander Koch

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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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