Cocaine Bear

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

On September 11, 1985, former American narcotics officer and Kentucky-based drug smuggler Andrew C. Thornton II was trafficking cocaine from Colombia into the United States. During the flight, Thornton dropped a load of 40 plastic containers of cocaine into the wilderness before abandoning the plane above Knoxville, Tennessee. Thornton was instantly killed in the evacuation when his parachute failed to open, and his body landed in the front driveway of a home. On December 23, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported finding a dead black bear that had eaten the cocaine from the containers. The total amount of cocaine consumed was 75 pounds (34 kilograms), valued at two million dollars. Not wanting to waste the bear's body, it was taxidermied and given to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. From there it eventually made its way to the "Kentucky for Kentucky Fun Mall" in Lexington, Kentucky where it remains. Whilst the real-life ‘cocaine bear’ never killed anyone, the thought of an apex predator, high on cocaine, and looking for its next hit is too tantalising a story for Hollywood to ignore.

Diverging from actual events, Cocaine Bear begins with the same premise. A planeload of cocaine is dumped into the Georgia forest and discovered by a black bear who begins to consume it. Unfortunately, the bear is not only interested in this cocaine as drug dealers and police authorities arrive in the forest. At the same time, the forest is populated with hikers, national rangers, thugs mugging guests, and runaway kids. All of whom come into the path of the coked-up beast and must try and survive the bear and each other.

Ludicrous, absurd, and sometimes horrific, the film is a shockingly brutal, yet surprisingly heartfelt affair that delivers laughs, squirms, and unexpected joys. It is half comedy, half horror, and an all-around riot that is an absolute ripper. For fans of the recent Violent Night, this film will likely appeal. Audiences will likely not expect to go into this film to come out caring about the characters. However, screenwriter Jimmy Warden introduces characters who, whilst still developing, are endearing enough to make you invested. It is a surprisingly character-driven story that benefits from a great ensemble that makes the most of underwritten characters. But they never steal the show entirely from the titular cocaine bear.

An apex predator desperate for its next hit who is both brutally terrifying and delightfully drugged up. The bear is presented equally as a terrifying threat and a hilarious punchline. Stalking its prey with deadly results and dopily influenced in sensory overload. The film is endlessly entertaining, disturbingly comedic and delightfully absurd. The jokes land. The action is thrilling. The jump scares are genuine. This film has no right to be as genuinely good and enjoyable as it is. It embraces the dumb fun, and ridiculous concept, leaning into the scenarios to great results. Certainly not for the faint of heart, but for those who can ‘bear’ its maximalist carnage there’s a great time to be found, but others may find it to be unbearable.

Reel Dialogue: How far does a parent go for their child?

In Cocaine Bear, the audience is presented with two opposing parental figures. There is the loving and determined Sari (Keri Russell) who will not stop until she finds her lost daughter (Brooklynn Prince). Still, there is also the cruel and selfish Syd (Ray Liotta), who fails to support his grieving son (Alden Ehrenrich) and puts him in harm's way in his efforts to retrieve the lost drugs. Then there is the titular cocaine bear, who is revealed to be a mother simply trying to protect her two young cubs.

The Bible speaks of God as the Father, who went as far as sacrificing His own Son, to save and redeem all of His children. It’s an overwhelming parental love that is found at the core of the Gospel. Have you encountered this love?

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 94:4