Black Bear - Avis

Aubrey Plaza gets a spectacularly trippy showcase in Black Bear.

The source of that power emanates from Aubrey Plaza. She has a look of eternally cool omniscience, one smartly utilized by filmmakers.

This is a disturbing film, and much of it is unpleasant, but it's also very, very funny.

...a witty and provocative send-up of tyrannical directors, diva-ish actors and over-invested voyeurs alike.

...an unflinchingly honest psychological drama, anchored by a riveting Aubrey Plaza.

This is Plaza’s best role yet, her cool feline sensuality achieving something more mysterious than anything in her previous work.

...the characters make us wince in recognition and the situations, even the ones we know are coming, are real enough to cringe over.

...is filled with intriguing ideas, as well as thoughtful characters and potent performances.

Lawrence Michael Levine’s film about a reality-bending love triangle is a work of mischievous art, anchored in Plaza’s nerveless performance.

This disorientation is highly apt for a film that trades in deconstruction, toying with the mechanics of filmmaking, and constantly rearranges the ground beneath your feet.

...an original and bold and sometimes brilliant piece of filmmaking, with Plaza delivering one of the best performances in any movie this year.

Black Bear is two dramas in one, and Aubrey Plaza is great in both of them.