Black Bear

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 4, 2020

Genre
Drama, Thriller, Dark Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Aubrey Plaza as Allison
• Christopher Abbott as Gabe
• Sarah Gadon as Blair
• Paola Lázaro as Cahya
• Grantham Coleman as Jake

Director
Lawrence Michael Levine

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Wild Canaries (2014)
• Always Shine (2016)

Producer
Julie Christeas, Jonathan Blitstein, Aubrey Plaza, Lawrence Michael Levine

Writer
Lawrence Michael Levine

Budget
Estimated $4 million

Production Company
Tandem Pictures, Depth of Field

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for sexual content, language throughout, drug use, and some nudity)

Content Advisory

• Sexual content
• Strong language
• Drug use
• Psychological tension

Movie Story
“Black Bear” is a dark, psychological drama that explores the complex dynamics of creativity, relationships, and manipulation. The film is divided into two distinct yet interconnected parts, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The story begins with Allison (Aubrey Plaza), a filmmaker who retreats to a remote lake house in the Adirondack Mountains seeking inspiration for her next project. The house is owned by Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and his pregnant girlfriend, Blair (Sarah Gadon), who are hosting Allison as a guest. As the three spend time together, tensions rise, particularly between Gabe and Blair, whose relationship is fraught with underlying issues. Allison’s presence exacerbates these tensions, and what starts as an ordinary visit soon spirals into a chaotic and emotionally charged confrontation.

In the second half of the film, the narrative takes a surreal turn, with Allison now playing a different role within a movie being directed by Gabe, with Blair as her co-star. The lines between performance and reality blur as the characters manipulate each other, pushing boundaries and exploring the dark corners of their desires and fears.

“Black Bear” is a film that plays with the audience’s expectations, constantly shifting perspectives and challenging the viewer to question what is real. It delves into the creative process, the nature of art, and the power dynamics in relationships, all while maintaining a sense of unease and tension.

Special Effects
“Black Bear” relies more on its strong performances and sharp dialogue than on special effects. The film’s visual style is grounded and realistic, with the tension and psychological complexity conveyed through the actors’ interactions and the tight, claustrophobic setting of the lake house.

Box Office Performance
“Black Bear” had a limited theatrical release and was also available on video on demand (VOD) platforms. The film received positive reviews for its bold storytelling and the standout performance by Aubrey Plaza. It became a critical success, particularly among fans of indie cinema and psychological dramas, though its box office performance was modest due to the limited release.

Filming Locations

• Long Lake, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re either very clever or you’re very stupid.” – Allison
• “The truth is that there is no truth. We’re just spinning in the dark.” – Gabe

Behind-the-Scenes
“Black Bear” was filmed on location in the Adirondack Mountains, which added to the film’s atmosphere of isolation and introspection. Aubrey Plaza, who also served as a producer, took on a challenging role that required her to navigate complex emotional and psychological territory. Director Lawrence Michael Levine crafted the film to be an exploration of the creative process, using the film’s structure to mirror the often chaotic and unpredictable nature of filmmaking itself.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Actress (Aubrey Plaza) at the 2021 Gotham Independent Film Awards
• Nominated for Best Screenplay at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards

Final Verdict
“Black Bear” is a daring and inventive film that challenges its audience with its layered narrative and complex character dynamics. Aubrey Plaza delivers one of her most compelling performances, showcasing her range as an actress in a role that is both emotionally intense and intellectually stimulating. The film’s exploration of creativity, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction make it a must-watch for fans of psychological dramas and indie films. Its unconventional storytelling may not appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema, “Black Bear” is a rewarding experience.

IMDb Rating
6.6/10