Black Bear (2020) - Three scenarios for the price of one - 8/10 (02/01/20)

Black Bear is an experimental drama that essentially offers three different scenarios. The real scenario is actually quite short and incomplete as it revolves around a female filmmaker who seeks for creative inspiration at a rural retreat. The second scenario is the first one she imagines as she invents to be welcomed as a guest in a young couple's cabin in the woods as the relationships between the three characters dramatically spiral out of control. The third and final scenario is another product of the filmmaker's imagination as she incarnates as a self-centered actress who nearly drives her colleagues insane on the last day of shooting at a rural retreat.

The first scenario is calm, introspective and short as its scenes are only briefly shown at the very beginning, between the two other scenarios and at the very end of the movie. The second scenario has a length of about forty-five minutes and can be described as a tense drama. The interactions between the three characters develop intensely and lead to an emotional finale. The third scenario also has a length of about forty-five minutes and could rather be described as a comedy or even satire. It follows an eccentric actress and her rather disorganized film crew who go through all sorts of comedic and dramatic emotions on an eventful last day of shooting. The second and the third scenario both involve the appearance of a cute female black bear at the very end, hence the title of this film.

The idea to tell three different stories in one single film is certainly quirky, entertaining and creative. Especially the unpredictable third scenario is addicting from start to finish. The natural landscapes, the cabin in the woods and the black bear are beautiful to watch. Lead actress Aubrey Plaza shines in all scenarios and shows how versatile her acting skills are.

On the other side, the three scenarios aren't properly connected. The final result is at times incohesive and uneven. The main plot is simple and thin. This movie might only be interesting for fans of experimental arthouse cinema and lead actress Aubrey Plaza.

In the end, Black Bear is an experimental arthouse film that mixes comedy and drama elements in three quirky scenarios. This movie is recommended to those who like films that walk off the beaten path while more conventional viewers might be at a loss here. Aubrey Plaza's diversified acting skills make a promising premise successful as this very good film could have been below average with a less talented actress. Give this film a try if you want to discover something unusual, fresh and exciting.