"Two Lovers and a Bear"

2016 * R * 1h 36m I just love discovering new cinematic talent, especially talented young directors. Case in point--the gifted Canadian Kim Nguyen. He's produced an interesting body of work in the world of indie films which includes the award-winning War Witch, The Hummingbird Effect, Eye on Juliet, and the absolutely charming and endearing TV series Anne with an E. It's sort of like being introduced to a new author who's written several books you can't wait to devour. 

The title alone should tell you this is going to be a quirky little film. And you wouldn't be wrong with that assessment. It takes place near the North Pole, in a small Canadian town. Roman (Dane DeHaan) and Lucy (Tatiana Maslany) are young lovers. They are both dealing with traumatic pasts and find comfort in each other. When Lucy reveals that she's been accepted at a University in the south, Roman is so upset he attempts suicide. He's airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Lucy spends all the money she's been saving to visit him and the two realize they were destined to be together,

The couple decide there's really no place for them in the civilized world and begin a sojourn into the Great White North. Their grueling trek is cathartic for the couple. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and during a heatwave like we're experiencing in the Midwest, offers a bit of relief to viewers like me. Along their journey Lucy is astonished to discover Roman can communicate with polar bears. It's a bit of magic realism that makes an already mystical film even more enchanting. 

I highly recommend checking out this fine bit of filmmaking. If you're like me, I think it'll make you want to search out Nguyen's other films. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Plex and to rent on Prime Video. 

Just viewed "Bigfood Unleashed, Part VII" and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a short vignette which is going to be incorporated into the upcoming film "The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro." It's a campy, tongue-in-cheek take on those cheesy horror films from the 1950's and 60's. In it, a terrified young woman is stalked by Bigfoot and is eventually caught by the ferocious beast. He leaves her by the side of the road where she's found by a couple of stereotypical redneck cops. It's a fun little clip that makes me looking forward to seeing the full-length movie. Can't wait! Here's a link with more info:

 

IMDb Bigfoot Page