Cocaine Bear - Netflix Movie Review

"Cocaine Bear" is a dark comedy film directed by Elizabeth Banks that tells the true story of a black bear in Kentucky that ingested a large amount of cocaine dropped by a drug smuggler's plane in the 1980s. The movie stars Keri Russell, Ray Liotta, and Alden Ehrenreich, and explores the bizarre and tragic events surrounding the bear's ingestion of the drugs.

The film opens with a young drug smuggler named Andrew Thornton (played by Ehrenreich) attempting to parachute from his plane while carrying a duffel bag full of cocaine. However, things go wrong, and the bag is dropped in the woods, where it is discovered by a curious black bear. The bear inadvertently ingests the cocaine, leading to a wild and chaotic rampage that ultimately ends in the animal's death.

Despite its dark subject matter, "Cocaine Bear" manages to find humor and levity in the events that transpired. The film is a dark comedy that blends humor with tragedy, and the result is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

One of the strengths of "Cocaine Bear" is its strong cast. Keri Russell plays the role of an investigative journalist who is determined to uncover the truth behind the strange and deadly circumstances surrounding the bear's demise. She delivers a strong performance, capturing the character's determination and sense of justice.

Ray Liotta, known for his roles in "Goodfellas" and "Hannibal," plays the role of a corrupt DEA agent who is willing to do whatever it takes to cover up the truth about the incident, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives. Liotta delivers a chilling performance, portraying the character's greed and lack of empathy.

Alden Ehrenreich, who rose to fame with his role in "Solo: A Star Wars Story," delivers a charming and engaging performance as the young drug smuggler. Despite his character's flaws, Ehrenreich manages to make the audience root for him and care about his fate.

The film's visuals are stunning, with beautiful shots of the Kentucky wilderness and the bear's chaotic journey. The director, Elizabeth Banks, does an excellent job of portraying the surreal and absurd nature of the situation while also highlighting the real-world implications of the drug epidemic in the 1980s.

One of the standout elements of "Cocaine Bear" is its balance of humor and serious themes. While the film certainly has its fair share of comedic moments, it also tackles issues such as drug addiction, corruption, and the devastating impact it has on both individuals and communities.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some viewers may find the film's pacing to be slow, and the narrative at times can feel disjointed. Additionally, some of the supporting characters, such as Jennifer Carpenter's DEA agent, are underdeveloped and underutilized.

Despite these minor flaws, "Cocaine Bear" is a must-watch for fans of dark comedies and true-crime stories. The film is entertaining, thought-provoking, and visually stunning. Elizabeth Banks has proven herself to be a talented director, and "Cocaine Bear" is a strong addition to her filmography.

The blood-spattered horror-comedy directed by Elizabeth Banks is based loosely — very loosely — on real events

In conclusion, "Cocaine Bear" is a unique and engaging film that tells a bizarre and tragic true story with humor and heart. The film boasts a strong cast, stunning visuals, and a cleverly crafted story that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. While the film is not without its flaws, it is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys dark comedies and true-crime stories

Cocaine Bear

Rated R for brains on drugs and brains on floor. Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes. In theaters