‘Brigsby Bear’ is Bizarre, Heartfelt, and a Tribute to Nostalgia

Drew Dietsch
Movies Comic-Con
Movies Comic-Con

Brigsby Bear looks like it’s going to be one of the most interesting films of the year. San Diego Comic-Con previewed the first twelve minutes to a delighted Hall H audience on Thursday and it was spellbinding. The story centers around James (SNL alum Kyle Mooney, who also co-wrote the film), a stunted man-child whose whole world centers around a bizarre childrens television show called, you guessed it, Brigsby Bear.

But there’s a lot more going on than what we first see. James’s parents (Jane Adams and none other than Mark Hamill) are clearly raising their child (…is he their child?) in an underground bunker with seemingly outdated technology. And James’s dad looks like he goes to work every day with a gas mask on his face. Is he living in some kind of post-apocalyptic wasteland?

It’s clear that this is a passion project for everyone involved. Kyle Mooney espoused tons of obscure childhood references that he finds fascinating, and it’s obvious that those oddball kid shows left an indelible mark on him. Seeing him transfer that passion into something original is the best kind of fandom. He took his inspirations and told a new story. And that idea and love of creativity is a huge part of the heart of Brigsby Bear.

Attendees even got a guest appearance from Brigsby himself; it was like seeing a Teddy Ruxpin doll come to life. It was cool to see a practical effect on stage after seeing the character on the big screen. It demonstrates the power of having something real to see and you could even touch.

A touching moment was seeing a video message from Mark Hamill who called Brigsby Bear the most striking and unique script he’d ever read in his entire career. If that doesn’t sell you on Brigsby Bear, I think you’ll be missing out.

Brigsby Bear will hit theaters in NY and LA on July 28. Go see it and support such an intriguing, weird, and heartfelt as this.

Drew Dietsch
Drew Dietsch has been professionally writing about entertainment for over a decade. His bylines include FANDOM - where he was a founding contributor and Entertainment Editor - Bloody Disgusting, SYFY WIRE, and more. He created and hosts GenreVision, a weekly film discussion show at genrevision.com.