Cocaine Bear (2023): A Dark Comedy with a Bite
Cocaine Bear (2023) is a comedy horror film that takes a bizarre premise and turns it into an entertaining spectacle. The story revolves around a black bear that accidentally gets hooked on cocaine and embarks on a deadly rampage. If you can handle the gruesome visuals with a pinch of salt, you’ll find the underlying humour quite enjoyable. I certainly did, which is why Mangoidiots gives it a Ripe rating. The film is available on Netflix and Jiocinema.
Set in 1985, the film unfolds in an American national forest where people from various walks of life find themselves in the path of the drug-crazed bear. The way these terror-stricken individuals react forms the crux of the narrative. Director Elizabeth Banks does a commendable job of highlighting the diverse responses of the characters. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between the two kids and one of their mothers, which added a touch of warmth to the otherwise chaotic storyline.
The film draws inspiration from a real-life incident involving an American black bear who died after consuming a duffel bag full of cocaine in December 1985. Interestingly, the taxidermied bear is now on display in a mall in Kentucky, adding a quirky footnote to this already strange tale.
In summary, “Cocaine Bear” is a unique blend of horror and comedy that doesn’t shy away from its absurd premise. It’s a film that embraces its wild storyline with zeal, making it a refreshing watch for those who appreciate dark humour. If you’re in the mood for something offbeat and can stomach a bit of gore, this film is worth a watch.
Originally published at https://venkatarangan.com on September 8, 2024.
