EntertainmentStreamingDisney Plus delivers its best show of 2022 with The BearThe Bear brings us a slice of family drama that comes with a huge side order of anxiety and is essential watchingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentStreamingDisney Plus delivers its best show of 2022 with The BearThe Bear brings us a slice of family drama that comes with a huge side order of anxiety and is essential watchingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The Bear brings us a slice of family drama that comes with a huge side order of anxiety and is essential watching
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Jeremy Allen White as Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto in The Bear(Image credit: Disney Plus)
Jeremy Allen White as Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto in The Bear
(Image credit: Disney Plus)
There is an episode late intoThe Bearwhere I am pretty sure that for around 30 minutes I didn’t breathe. Such is the power of the writing, the passion, the performances from the cast and the pace of the direction that the show can be difficult and exhausting to watch. But you will watch it, and in fact, once started it is very difficult to stop.
Set in modern-day Chicago,The Bearis a nine-episode comedy-drama onDisney+that follows the story of Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto (an unbelievably good Jeremy Allen White) who, after the death of his older brother Michael, returns home to take over the family sandwich shop. Carmy has been away for years and risen to become one of the most prestigious chefs in the country, but now finds himself burdened with a failing business, a resentful staff still loyal to his brother and debts that there seems to be no way out of.
Very much like Jon Favreau’s 2014Chefand the recent Stephen Graham filmBoiling Point,The Bearis a tension-soaked exploration of the inner workings of high-volume, high-pressure restaurant work and food, as a means of coping and expression.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as cousin Richie(Image credit: Disney Plus)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as cousin Richie
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as cousin Richie
(Image credit: Disney Plus)
What is The Bear about?
The notion of how we see those who have passed is also explored. Choosing to ignore obvious faults and failings in those we have lost and only when forced to accept these, getting any kind of real closure.
As the series progresses and the business goes through change, our characters seem not to. They are stuck, seemingly unable to move on with their lives; the failure of the business and its constant setbacks mirror their own lives. The question of selling the business is brought up again and again and is constantly shot down. They just can’t let go, of the shop and of those they have lost.
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(Image credit: Disney Plus)
(Image credit: Disney Plus)
Who is in The Bear?
Jeremy Allen White (Lip,Shameless US) gives the performance of his career so far as Carmy. Through him we feel Carmy’s loss; it’s honest, it’s visceral, it’s real. The performance is so strong that we feel what he does, and at no point does it feel forced or unnatural.
The rest of the cast likewise are solid, especially Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher) as cousin Richie. Hyperaggressive, unlikeable, almost a parody of the alpha-male personality, we see as the series progresses how this is nothing more than a front, a facade to mask his own fears, and how he is dealing with the loss of his best friend and the break-up of his own family. The talented ensemble also includes Ayo Edibiri as Sydney, Oliver Platt as local businessman, Jimmy and Jon Bernthal in flashback as the late Michael ‘The Bear’ Berzatto.
Should I watch The Bear?
‘The Bear’ is available in full now onDisney PlusUK and Hulu US
Today’s best Disney+ dealsDisney+ Annual Premium$139.99/yearViewatDisney+
Today’s best Disney+ dealsDisney+ Annual Premium$139.99/yearViewatDisney+
Today’s best Disney+ dealsDisney+ Annual Premium$139.99/yearViewatDisney+
Today’s best Disney+ deals
Disney+ Annual Premium$139.99/yearViewatDisney+
Disney+ Annual Premium$139.99/yearViewatDisney+
Disney+ Annual Premium$139.99/yearViewatDisney+
Disney+ Annual Premium
Disney+ Annual Premium
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