Brigsby Bear (2017)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

When James (Kyle Mooney) is finally freed from the sudo-parents that abducted him twenty-five years prior, he sets out to create a movie about the only show that he’s ever seen, Brigsby Bear. A story of commitment and acceptance, Brigsby Bear follows James and his coterie of newly-found companions as they attempt the impossible. 

A film that had the potential to be riddled with folly and nonsensical humor quickly becomes something far more grounded and accessible than I could have ever anticipated. With the titular Brigsby Bear used as a metaphor for both trauma and comfort, the aforementioned James explores a world so unfamiliar to him and that aptly represents so many honest, and equally horrifying scenarios that plague the real world. James’ sense of self is in question, and the outside forces that surround him only strengthen that feeling, ultimately consuming him and forcing him to lean even more heavily on what can only be described as something of an idol in Brigsby. The entire process of learning and relearning to be normal is, in many ways, the purpose of this film. Who is James? Why is he here? What can he do to fit in?

Director Dave McCary and Writers Kevin Costello and Mooney craft a film full of wistful commentary that begs viewers to think back to times of innocence, when the hardships of the world weighed less heavily on each of us, and the solace of a blanket, a stuffed bear, or our favorite television show was enough to get us through the day. The narrative never strays from this, remaining fluid throughout and keeping viewers tethered to something brilliantly meaningful.

The star power that Casting Directors Courtney Bright and Nicole Daniels were able to bring together for this film is impressive. Mark Hamill (Ted), Claire Danes (Emily), Matt Walsh (Greg), and more grace the audience with their presence and are provided content that exists flawlessly in each of their respective wheelhouses. What’s even more impressive about so many incredible actors being cast in Brigsby Bear is that they don’t overshadow Mooney, effectively taking on supportive roles throughout and complementing the film’s lead. Furthermore, Mooney uses every ounce of starpower to his advantage, feeding off of each actor’s brilliance and using it to propel his performance even further than expected. 

The idea of a frame story is one that greatly appeals to me, and while Brigsby Bear doesn’t technically fall into that category of storytelling, the structure of the film is enough to warrant something of a comparison. Brigsby Bear opens to James’ claustrophobic and harrowing life inside of a bunker constructed by his captors. The film quickly transitions to the great expanse of the rest of the world, seeing James navigate the various peaks and valleys that reside in it--and viewers are made privy to the fact that it’s sometimes too overwhelming for him. By the conclusion of the film, McCary, Mooney, and Costello have transitioned the narrative back to a place that both mirrors and juxtaposes the opening set design. This may seem like a small piece of James’ story, but it provides a thoughtful and captivating insight into his mindset. Up to this point viewers had already been given a series of opportunities to understand and appreciate James’ current, and transitioning, state--but no instances are better in this regard than the final conversation in the family’s garage or the emotionally trying final scene. Bookended by a sense of intimacy, I feel that Brigsby Bear is a niche addition to the frame story sub-genre, and that heightened the experience for me. 

All in all, Brigsby Bear was fun, a comedy that ultimately blurs the lines between drama and comedy so effectively that I often became lost in its subtlety. What ultimately steals the show, however, is the blend of Mooney, McCary, and Costello’s minds that often exist in the world of comedy, but so fluidly bleed into groundbreaking, gut-wrenching drama that will shake you to your core. Nary a moment passes in Brigsby Bear in which I wasn’t enthralled by the talent of everyone involved and captivated by the visceral meaning in which it’s steeped. 

Directed by Dave McCary. 

Written by Kevin Costello & Kyle Mooney. 

Starring Kyle Mooney, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Matt Walsh, Michaela Watkins, Claire Danes, etc. 

9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW