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Helen and the Bear

Play trailer 2:00 Poster for Helen and the Bear 2024 1h 21m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
At 70, Helen often acts like an uninhibited teenager, sneaking cigarettes and exploring the bounds of her sexual identity. But at home, she cares for her 96-year-old husband Pete, a once-prominent Republican politician who now depends on her absolutely. Captured in intimate vérité by director Alix Blair, HELEN AND THE BEAR is a lyrical portrait of the beautiful and complex relationship between Helen and Pete as they enter the final chapter of their marriage. Helen's inner journey is brought to life through decades of journal entries and archival footage that reveal a struggle between her love for Pete and a desire for freedom. As Pete's health worsens and Helen anticipates life without "Bear," she wrestles with what's been lost and won through life by his side.

Critics Reviews

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Tim Grierson Screen International A moving portrait of the decades-long relationship between former US Congressman Pete McCloskey and his wife Helen, two indomitable forces who have weathered several storms and arrived at their golden years — where fresh challenges await. May 2, 2024 Full Review Tina Kakadelis Beyond the Cinerama Dome Even if you remove Pete and Helen’s political activism, Helen and the Bear is an entrancing documentary of the ways relationships morph as time goes by. Apr 6, 2025 Full Review Kenneth R. Morefield 1More Film Blog Her inability to verbalize why she stayed with him even though she hates the institution of marriage provides the film with some poignancy, but it can also cause exasperation. Rated: 2/4 Mar 31, 2025 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Intimate lyrical documentary. Rated: B Mar 26, 2025 Full Review Pat Mullen POV Magazine It’s a tale of sacrifice, romance, politics, and animals enriched by its refusal to simplify its portrait of committing to the long haul. Jun 26, 2024 Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills Blair’s film is a surprisingly moving portrait of two strong personalities who have remained devoted to each other despite considerable differences. Jun 25, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Alix Blair

Director

Alix Blair

Writer

Katrina Taylor

Writer

Katrina Taylor

Screenwriter

Lauren Kushner

Producer

Jenny Slattery

Producer
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Helen and the Bear

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Movie Info

Synopsis At 70, Helen often acts like an uninhibited teenager, sneaking cigarettes and exploring the bounds of her sexual identity. But at home, she cares for her 96-year-old husband Pete, a once-prominent Republican politician who now depends on her absolutely. Captured in intimate vérité by director Alix Blair, HELEN AND THE BEAR is a lyrical portrait of the beautiful and complex relationship between Helen and Pete as they enter the final chapter of their marriage. Helen's inner journey is brought to life through decades of journal entries and archival footage that reveal a struggle between her love for Pete and a desire for freedom. As Pete's health worsens and Helen anticipates life without "Bear," she wrestles with what's been lost and won through life by his side.
Director
Alix Blair
Producer
Lauren Kushner, Jenny Slattery, Rebekah Fergusson
Screenwriter
Alix Blair, Katrina Taylor, Katrina Taylor
Production Co
Maailma Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 21m