Black Bear is one of those indie dramas that is meta on so many levels you can either sit with it afterwards or, if you’re weak like me, you’ll immediately turn to the internet for an explanation and may even find yourself buried deep in one of those Reddit threads that will make you wish you’d had the strength to just do the sitting.
This is a compelling film in its way, and it’s well performed, with a surprising reset midway through, and you don’t have to fully understand a film to enjoy it. But if I’m honest? I do feel a little bit cheated when an interpretation or ending isn’t fully nailed down. My limitation, I’m sure.
It will do your head in but sometimes it’s good to have your head done in
It is written and directed by Lawrence Michael Levine and stars Aubrey Plaza as Allison, a filmmaker who makes ‘small, unsuccessful films nobody likes’ and who hopes to write her next one while staying at a lakeside retreat.
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