Blackbear

As the mist-shrouded lake laps gently against the shore, Allison (Aubrey Plaza) settles into a rustic cabin, her eyes drifting to a notepad where memories of a bygone era linger. This introspective moment marks the beginning of a complex tapestry of relationships and emotions that will unfold in the days to come.

Allison arrives at a lakeside retreat, joining Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and Blair (Sarah Gadon), who are expecting their first child together. As they navigate the nuances of each other's company, it becomes apparent that their relationship is rife with tension, like the undercurrents beneath the lake's glassy surface. Gabe's criticism of Blair's wine consumption and her remark about his musical aspirations being "former" rather than "current" hint at deeper-seated issues.

As Allison joins them for dinner, the conversation flows effortlessly, only to veer into choppy waters as they discuss feminism. Gabe's dismissive views on the subject prompt Allison to feign agreement, sensing Blair's distress. The trio's evening devolves into a delicate dance of power dynamics and unspoken desires.

Later, as they retire indoors, Allison and Blair engage in a playful waltz before Blair's growing unease becomes apparent. Gabe's departure sparks a heated argument between the couple, with Blair accusing him of harboring romantic feelings for Allison. As tensions simmer just below the surface, Allison excuses herself, leaving the pair to their tumultuous emotions.

The night wears on, and Gabe seeks out Allison by the lake, where they share a moment of connection before yielding to their desires. However, their tryst is abruptly cut short when Blair stumbles upon them, her anger boiling over. The couple's argument reaches a fever pitch as Blair confronts Gabe about his attraction to Allison.

As the dust settles, Gabe and Blair find themselves at the hospital, grappling with the consequences of their actions. Just as they're attempting to make sense of the chaos, Allison is startled by a bear emerging from the shadows, its path crossing hers in a fateful encounter that will forever alter the trajectory of her life.

As the façade of reality crumbles, everything takes on the veneer of a cinematic production. Gabe, the director, orchestrates the chaos, while Allison and Blair, his co-stars, play out their roles with precision. Behind the scenes, however, Gabe's personal life is a tangled web of deceit, as he carries on an affair with Blair, all while publicly belittling his wife, Allison.

That night, the crew readies to film a pivotal scene in the cabin, but Allison's emotional state has taken a drastic turn. Her husband's reprehensible behavior and blatant infidelity have left her reeling, and she seeks solace in drink. As the assistant director, Cahya (Paola Lazaro), stumbles upon Allison in a vulnerable state with Nora (Jennifer Kim), they rush to intervene, helping her to her feet as the sounds of a distant bear echo through the forest.

As filming resumes, Gabe's concern for Allison's well-being is palpable, but their argument remains an open wound. They capture "the most crucial scene in the film," which devolves into chaos as Allison becomes unhinged, physically confronting Blair before being pulled away. When she retreats to a quiet room, Allison confides in Baako (Grantham Coleman), who offers her solace and comfort. As the cameras roll once more, Gabe asks Allison to refrain from physical altercations, but her emotional turmoil remains unabated.

The scene is re-shot, with Allison's anguish still palpable, even as the cameras stop rolling. Gabe consoles her, then takes her aside for a tender moment of intimacy, during which she affectionately dubs him "Bear." Later, as the crew celebrates the completion of filming, Gabe retreats to join Blair for a romantic swim before retiring to their quarters.

Meanwhile, Allison lies alone in the cabin, lost in thought. She gazes out at the fog-shrouded lake, her mind consumed by the complexities of her situation. As she scribbles "Black Bear" into her notebook, the camera lingers on her contemplative face, as if inviting the viewer to share in her introspection.