The film had lots of potential especially with such great actors and it brought to life the Slice of Life of a Marine and his daughter living in Montana with serious mental illness. Yet after 30 minutes of this story you wonder if anything meaningful is going to happen besides the father consistently being a mess. There was so much potential to take this story in so many directions except it does not and it ends finally with her leaving her father.. actually running away. It is a wonderful 1 act character piece that falls flat as a full motion picture. Kudos to both leading actors. Director has lots of potential with a better script next time. I give it a solid 6
20 Reviews
Well Directed/Acted but Script is dull and predictable with terrible ending.
filmtravel10119 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Depressing but realistic, well acted drama about caring for a self destructive addict
charlesfcope8 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Some strange reviews here. Either overly positive or unfairly negative.
I thought the film told the tale of a coming of age girl trying to wrestle with dealing with a self destructive addict of a father rather well. It showed the relationship between the two as being sometimes positive, sometimes hopeless. Even the character of the psychiatrist is straight from reality. Should she give the user a script for heroin substitute for the sake of the daughter, and run the risk of breaking the law or at least being censured by the professional body, or just follow the rules? As it happens, she breaks all sorts of rules but in the end tries to help the daughter, believing she is worth saving and the father is a lost cause.
Nice to think the USA (and the UK, where I'm from) value the vetwrans so much (sarcasm alert). My cousin, now retired, worked as a federal psychiatric social worker in Oregon before she reitired and these issues outlined in the film are totally real, from what she says. Most of these cases, sadly, are lost causes in the sense that they never truly recover. They drift away from hard core addiction into alcohol and other forms of addiction, then burn out completely. The film shows that for the daughter to have a life, she has to break the bond or she will end up going the same way as her father.
I ought to add that this film's depction of small town America will not help the tourism industry, but it is accurate from my own experience as an Englishman visiting relatives in that very same America. I should add that there is another side to small town America - the people are friendly and would do anything to help you out. It's just that you are not going to be shown a Waltons style world in a film about the dilemma of a girl caring for an addict father. Maybe someone should make a film that combines both worlds. Be equally rejected by the indpendent film awards and Hollywood/
All in all a worthy film, well acted and directed, and not over the top about its subject. Just don't watch it if you are feeling torn between helping an addict who you're close to and running away from the whole miserable situation. Although you could argue that your feelings about the ending will help make up your mind..
I thought the film told the tale of a coming of age girl trying to wrestle with dealing with a self destructive addict of a father rather well. It showed the relationship between the two as being sometimes positive, sometimes hopeless. Even the character of the psychiatrist is straight from reality. Should she give the user a script for heroin substitute for the sake of the daughter, and run the risk of breaking the law or at least being censured by the professional body, or just follow the rules? As it happens, she breaks all sorts of rules but in the end tries to help the daughter, believing she is worth saving and the father is a lost cause.
Nice to think the USA (and the UK, where I'm from) value the vetwrans so much (sarcasm alert). My cousin, now retired, worked as a federal psychiatric social worker in Oregon before she reitired and these issues outlined in the film are totally real, from what she says. Most of these cases, sadly, are lost causes in the sense that they never truly recover. They drift away from hard core addiction into alcohol and other forms of addiction, then burn out completely. The film shows that for the daughter to have a life, she has to break the bond or she will end up going the same way as her father.
I ought to add that this film's depction of small town America will not help the tourism industry, but it is accurate from my own experience as an Englishman visiting relatives in that very same America. I should add that there is another side to small town America - the people are friendly and would do anything to help you out. It's just that you are not going to be shown a Waltons style world in a film about the dilemma of a girl caring for an addict father. Maybe someone should make a film that combines both worlds. Be equally rejected by the indpendent film awards and Hollywood/
All in all a worthy film, well acted and directed, and not over the top about its subject. Just don't watch it if you are feeling torn between helping an addict who you're close to and running away from the whole miserable situation. Although you could argue that your feelings about the ending will help make up your mind..
Great screenplay, wrong cast.
anninaturman14 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Feel like psychologically the acting didn't add up to the storyline ; as promising an actress as Morrone is this role wasn't (in my opinion) for her, being born n raised in Beverly Hills. I think female lead should've been someone tougher who has seen this kind of thing, raised in a rough neighborhood, to be able to understand the agony of watching your loved one struggle with addiction and becoming someone you don't even recognize in the worst times of it.
And one line in this movie struck me as odd: she asks "Is he gonna get better?" and psychiatrist says "No, this is it for him." = just doesn't make sense, considering he (the painkiller addict dad) was still able to make rational decisions on his own, cook own dinner and attend local events n stuff alone = he COULD'VE gotten better, and this movie doesn't address that psychological side of addiction at all, which was weird.
Otherwise an excellent screenplay and realllly a story worth telling.
Zero degrees of freedom
lor_5 October 2019
First-time feature director Annabelle Attanasio gets excellent performances from her cast, led by the talented Camila Morrone and James Badge Dale, but her original screenplay fails to make the grade.
This is a real downer, a depressing slice of life film that injects numerous topical themes, ranging from the fate of damaged war vets, the nation's addiction crisis to problems of caregivers, while failing to develop them fully. Instead we have Morrone as an 18-year-old heroine faced with the difficult choice of staying to care for her hopelessly destructive father or escape to a new life away from him, but by the end of the movie the choice is virtually made for her by taking away all her other options.
Many red herrings are employed by Attanasio in this grim saga, which produces quite a bit of tension, never released for the viewer. There is an element of escapism in that the audience can feel relieved they are not suffering such awful circumstances as the characters endure, but that hardly makes for a recommendation.
As with so many other "film festival fodder" movies, it's designed for consumption by an elite audience of cinephiles. As a card carrying member of that unfortunate group, I wasn't pleased with the blatant visual reference to Truffaut's "400 Blows", not advisable if one wants his or her work to be taken seriously.
This is a real downer, a depressing slice of life film that injects numerous topical themes, ranging from the fate of damaged war vets, the nation's addiction crisis to problems of caregivers, while failing to develop them fully. Instead we have Morrone as an 18-year-old heroine faced with the difficult choice of staying to care for her hopelessly destructive father or escape to a new life away from him, but by the end of the movie the choice is virtually made for her by taking away all her other options.
Many red herrings are employed by Attanasio in this grim saga, which produces quite a bit of tension, never released for the viewer. There is an element of escapism in that the audience can feel relieved they are not suffering such awful circumstances as the characters endure, but that hardly makes for a recommendation.
As with so many other "film festival fodder" movies, it's designed for consumption by an elite audience of cinephiles. As a card carrying member of that unfortunate group, I wasn't pleased with the blatant visual reference to Truffaut's "400 Blows", not advisable if one wants his or her work to be taken seriously.
Good movie to watch
snowglory14 July 2020
Please read this before you judge
Top_Dawg_Critic15 February 2020
Five reviews prior to mine, and sadly, the four 10's are fake, and that is a huge mistake the producers keep making. IMDb users are not dumb, and can see that those are first time reviewers, and are clearly fake, it annoys us, we decide not to watch the film and angrily give it a 1 to offset the fake 10's. What's worse, is that this film will be judged and rated inaccurately, and that sucks, because this film is more worthy than the current 6.4/10 rating.
Yes, I gave this film a 9/10, and my review is honest and real - click on my username to see my 1000+ ratings and 800+ reviews... and I DID watch it. The only reason I did was because the trailer intrigued me, plus it's 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with praise from EVERY real film critic. I'm glad I gave this film a chance, and I hope you do too.
I can't stand slow paced films, but this one kept me sucked in until the end. The 88 min runtime is perfect for its pacing, and there's more than enough context in the writing that time flies by, especially from the outstanding performance by newbie actress (and model and Al Pacino's stepdaughter) Camila Morrone. Clearly Pacino gave her great acting tips because I felt her pain and frustration throughout the entire film. James Badge Dale's performance was so stellar, I wanted to reach in and punch him out, and at other times give him an understanding hug. For that matter, all other casting and performances were on point.
Actress turned writer and director Annabelle Attanasio makes her first full length feature film debut with this little gem. I agree with the only real review out of the five by user lor_ (weird there is no rating attached) that this film is a "depressing slice of life film that injects numerous topical themes, ranging from the fate of damaged war vets, the nation's addiction crisis, to problems of caregivers", but disagree on "failing to develop them fully". This film isn't about those issues, but instead about how a young girl deals with her life whilst caring for her ill dad and the failed system. Myself as a father with a daughter of the same ages, this film was gut-wrenching. Sadly, this film can easily be a biopic for many American vets alone with a single child caregiver. They are either abandoned, or ruin their child's life, and this reality in my opinion needed to be told on the big screen.
Attanasio created a realistic atmosphere without all the typical Hollywood fluff with her near perfect writing and directing - and she's a noob! Mad props for pulling it off so real and well in creating this little gem.
The cinematography was excellent and the small town setting really set the tone, especially some of the stills. The score was just right at the right moments. In all, this gem was artful as it was unforced, and rich with authenticity. It's been a few hours, and I still feel the uneasiness this film created, and that's a huge win. A must see imo and a well deserved and honest 9/10 from me.
Yes, I gave this film a 9/10, and my review is honest and real - click on my username to see my 1000+ ratings and 800+ reviews... and I DID watch it. The only reason I did was because the trailer intrigued me, plus it's 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with praise from EVERY real film critic. I'm glad I gave this film a chance, and I hope you do too.
I can't stand slow paced films, but this one kept me sucked in until the end. The 88 min runtime is perfect for its pacing, and there's more than enough context in the writing that time flies by, especially from the outstanding performance by newbie actress (and model and Al Pacino's stepdaughter) Camila Morrone. Clearly Pacino gave her great acting tips because I felt her pain and frustration throughout the entire film. James Badge Dale's performance was so stellar, I wanted to reach in and punch him out, and at other times give him an understanding hug. For that matter, all other casting and performances were on point.
Actress turned writer and director Annabelle Attanasio makes her first full length feature film debut with this little gem. I agree with the only real review out of the five by user lor_ (weird there is no rating attached) that this film is a "depressing slice of life film that injects numerous topical themes, ranging from the fate of damaged war vets, the nation's addiction crisis, to problems of caregivers", but disagree on "failing to develop them fully". This film isn't about those issues, but instead about how a young girl deals with her life whilst caring for her ill dad and the failed system. Myself as a father with a daughter of the same ages, this film was gut-wrenching. Sadly, this film can easily be a biopic for many American vets alone with a single child caregiver. They are either abandoned, or ruin their child's life, and this reality in my opinion needed to be told on the big screen.
Attanasio created a realistic atmosphere without all the typical Hollywood fluff with her near perfect writing and directing - and she's a noob! Mad props for pulling it off so real and well in creating this little gem.
The cinematography was excellent and the small town setting really set the tone, especially some of the stills. The score was just right at the right moments. In all, this gem was artful as it was unforced, and rich with authenticity. It's been a few hours, and I still feel the uneasiness this film created, and that's a huge win. A must see imo and a well deserved and honest 9/10 from me.
I hate lying reviews.
viboraojo27 December 2020
Not an easy watch, very real and a fantastic debut
tararrr24 June 2020
I had to leave a review because the 6.4 rating is shocking.
This is a well written, well directed and well acted movie. It covers a very sensitive issue with depth and subtlety. I really enjoyed it.
And the ending is perfect.
This is a well written, well directed and well acted movie. It covers a very sensitive issue with depth and subtlety. I really enjoyed it.
And the ending is perfect.
Another worst film! Too many boring conversation, and annoying overuse scene! Avoid at all cost!
kwenchow26 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This film start with a girl "Mickey" waking up from her bed, and she bail her father "Hank" out from the police station scene! As turnout, this film is about Mickey struggle to take care her drug addict father, and she eventually decide to leave her father for good! Entire film full of boring conversation, and annoying overuse scene! Such as, overuse of the taking drug scene, overuse of the arguing scene, and overuse of the song playing at the background scene! Make the film unwatchable! Barely intense scene is, Hank punching Wyatt, when Wyatt try to save him from the lake! At the end, Mickey decide to running away from her father! That's it! Wasting time to watch!
Gritty Drama which raises questions
sionnach-liath28 February 2020
The premise should not be valid but sadly it is all too real. How does a young woman (17 /18) cope with a father who is so broken and destructive. It's not easy but she does get help. There is the underlying theme that those who experience the horror of war are forever broken and can devastate their families.
Great cast.
Astonishing Debut Film!
info-619621 May 2019
One of the most accomplished first films I've ever seen. Ms Attanasio- clearly at the beginning of a beautiful career - writes and directs with the Confidence of someone twice her years. For Ms Merrone, filmgoers will remember this performance in years to come on par with Jennifer Lawrence and Winters Bone. James Badge is heartbreaking and terrifying as the dad that can't let her go. And the town of Anaconda is made a character in itself. All of it wrapped up in a beautiful story of a young woman in a terrible double bind between her father's needs and her own, and the decision she's forced into that seems to have no good solution.
Menacing and claustrophobic
chrisch_de24 March 2020
Truly Poignant
mabela-754407 June 2019
Attanasio's Mickey and the Bear manages to hit at so many heartstrings without appearing sappy or overdone. Morrone exquisitely portrays a conflicted and still relatable teenager on the cusp of a major life decision. You find yourself breathlessly taking in each individual, nuanced moment as it is apparent that every moment and interaction is informative and essential to understanding Mickey's ultimate choice. An absolutely stunning film.
Best
geekerr20 December 2020
Great movie the best I have ever seen compares to the Days of Wine and Roses and The Lost Weekend.
This depicts addiction realistically as it hasn't been depicted in at decades .Not only that but also how insidious it is and how it affects the people who are a round it and the denial by all .The devastation . Incredibly well written directed and acted. Really deserves Oscar recognition since presently our society is permeated with it
Very deep and profound drama
enzo_gd17 February 2020
Movie way beyond Attanasio's years
miltonlovesnature21 November 2019
I was skeptical before seeing Mickey and the Bear, as I am with all movies that score such high ratings... but after 15 minutes I was convinced of Annabelle Attanasio's raw talent to write dialogue and knack for layered story telling. Attanasio's use of the Anaconda landscape was brilliant. She remained thoughtful and intentional with her treatment of heavy topic matters like codependent child parent relationships and drug addiction, yet managed to keep the narrative intriguing. I remained on the edge of my seat and completely fell of my seat by the end. Props to Attanasio. For such a young writer she has skill and knowledge way beyond her years. And if you don't go for the story itself, go for James Badge Dale and Calvin Demba. Two underrated talented actors yet to flourish into Hollywood movie stars.
Sincere and bleak teen life in Big Sky country
tshary1717 July 2023
This is a special portrait of life in the hinterlands of America, where young people face a daunting future due to their lack of opportunity and sense of obligation to family. Mickey turns 18 in the course of the story, and already has the responsibilities of an adult since she cares for her traumatized addict father, while she tries to enjoy the sparse excitement of her small Montana town. She clearly has a decision to make: stay in this place where she will watch her father die from his damage or flee to a desperate but liberating unknown elsewhere.
This actually reminded me somewhat of 'Leave No Trace', which came out the year before with its story of a nomadic father-daughter trying to survive under the weight of his trauma. That family was constantly seeking somewhere safe to go, but for Mickey and her dad, there is utterly nowhere to go, and that sense of futility becomes palpable when she faces a choice between her ignorant boyfriend and a sensitive foreigner. And as it turns out, choices are often illusory.
Young people benefit from movies like this, since girls can see how their empowerment can be corrupted by men's expectations and boys can see the reasons they need to abandon their arrogant egos.
This actually reminded me somewhat of 'Leave No Trace', which came out the year before with its story of a nomadic father-daughter trying to survive under the weight of his trauma. That family was constantly seeking somewhere safe to go, but for Mickey and her dad, there is utterly nowhere to go, and that sense of futility becomes palpable when she faces a choice between her ignorant boyfriend and a sensitive foreigner. And as it turns out, choices are often illusory.
Young people benefit from movies like this, since girls can see how their empowerment can be corrupted by men's expectations and boys can see the reasons they need to abandon their arrogant egos.
A big yes from me
igorkreyman18 December 2021
I've never heard of Camila Morrone up until this point and honestly i don't ever write reviews I'm writing this because she deserves a long prosperous career.
You can really see and feel her soul shining through this role, a very natural, empathetic human being that was able to really shape this role in such a simple yet powerful way.
Such a charisma to her simplistic ways.. and for me she carries this film because of it. People underestimate how powerful a performance can be when you truly get out of the way and allow the subtleties to tell the story.
The writer and director did a great job too and it's a nice relief to see a coming of age drama with the human tones that we lack in our blockbuster environment.
I hope and trust you all have epic careers, much love.
You can really see and feel her soul shining through this role, a very natural, empathetic human being that was able to really shape this role in such a simple yet powerful way.
Such a charisma to her simplistic ways.. and for me she carries this film because of it. People underestimate how powerful a performance can be when you truly get out of the way and allow the subtleties to tell the story.
The writer and director did a great job too and it's a nice relief to see a coming of age drama with the human tones that we lack in our blockbuster environment.
I hope and trust you all have epic careers, much love.
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