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Comedy drama

Brigsby Bear (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Brigsby Bear (2017) movie poster

Brigsby Bear is a 2017 comedy drama directed by Dave McCary, starring Greg Kinnear, Mark Hamill and Matt Walsh. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $681,632 worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
83%
worldwide gross
$681.6K
Echo Score
80
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Brigsby Bear (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Director
Dave McCary
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Brigsby Bear About?

The premise of Brigsby Bear without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

When his favorite children's television show, "Brigsby Bear Adventures," unexpectedly ends, lifelong fan James Pope is forced to confront a world beyond his sheltered existence. Driven by a desire to finish the show's unfinished story, he sets out on a journey of discovery, navigating unfamiliar surroundings and facing unexpected challenges as he tries to complete the narrative and understand his own place in a world he barely knows.

Brigsby Bear Themes & Keywords

· 24 tags
  • kidnapping
  • news report
  • friend
  • costume
  • first kiss
  • underground bunker
  • arrest
  • police
  • filming a movie
  • secret
  • party
  • reference to the thing
+12 more
  • children's tv show as subject
  • tv show as subject
  • fictional children's tv show
  • fictional tv show
  • filmmaking
  • filmmaker as protagonist
  • tv show within a film
  • adult son lives with his parents
  • fan of a tv show
  • watching a children's tv show
  • dramedy drama
  • quirky comedy
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Cast & crew

Brigsby Bear Cast

Greg Kinnear leads the cast, with Mark Hamill and Matt Walsh. Directed by Dave McCary; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Dave McCary

One more film directed by Dave McCary: My Favorite Shapes by Julio Torres.

Full filmography
Ratings

Brigsby Bear Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Brigsby Bear 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (70).

80 /100

Brigsby Bear Echo Score Breakdown

Brigsby Bear impresses with its inventive narrative and emotional warmth, though occasional uneven pacing tempers its impact. Reviews highlight the film’s blend of whimsy and heartfelt moments, noting inspired casting and a creative premise that sustains engagement. While some observers point to tonal shifts and light production values, the majority praise its charm, sincerity, and subtle humor. Overall, the film delivers a distinctive and engaging experience that resonates beyond its deceptively simple setup.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, Brigsby Bear exhibits solid directorial choices and cohesive editing, though it relies on modest production design. Critics and viewers note the film’s intentionally understated visual style and measured pacing, which align with its low-budget aesthetic. Some commentary highlights missed opportunities for bolder cinematographic flourishes, but overall the technical elements support the narrative’s intimate tone effectively.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film’s greatest strength lies in its nuanced performances and depth of feeling. Reviewers praise the leads’ believable portrayals and chemistry, noting moments of genuine warmth and tenderness. The central character’s transformation elicits empathy, even as some find the emotional beats uneven. In summary, the character work sustains engagement through authentic and heartfelt interactions.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of story and flow, Brigsby Bear offers an original premise that keeps viewers engaged, though its pacing occasionally feels uneven. Critics and audiences highlight the narrative’s inventive concept and emotional resonance, noting the third act’s tender moments. Some feedback points to tonal shifts that disrupt momentum, but overall the plot maintains a satisfying balance of humor and heartfelt development.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film employs a restrained sound design and an understated score that complement its intimate tone. The visual style is simple and cohesive, with practical effects reinforcing the narrative’s homemade aesthetic. While it lacks cinematic grandiosity, the sensory elements consistently support the story’s emotional and thematic intentions.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    In terms of rewatch value, the film’s charm and emotional sincerity encourage repeated viewings. Critics note that its quirky premise and subtle humor reveal additional layers on subsequent watches, and audience sentiment highlights the comfort found in its heartfelt moments. Though its modest scale may limit some surprises, the genuine warmth and thoughtful storytelling impart lasting appeal.

Plot

Brigsby Bear Plot Summary

What happens in Brigsby Bear from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

James Mitchum finds himself living in the confined space of an underground bunker alongside his claimed parents, Ted and April. As Ted regales him with cautionary stories about the dangers lurking outside, James can’t help but feel a sense of wonder as he glimpses Ted daringly stepping into the unknown, clad in a gas mask. His escape from the mundane reality is found within the colorful world of Brigsby Bear, a children’s show featuring the titular bear who assists characters in navigating perilous circumstances. This show, strictly allowed by Ted, becomes James’ sole source of joy and comfort.

Full summary

The whole story of Brigsby Bear, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Brigsby Bear Box Office

Brigsby Bear grossed $681,632 worldwide. $532,669 came from the US and Canada and $148,963 (22%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$681.6K

US & Canada
$532.7K
International
$149K
US & Canada 78% Rest of the world 22%
Videos

Brigsby Bear Trailers & Videos

7 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser and 5 clips.

All 7 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Teaser Trailer
  • Clip Official Clip #1
  • Clip "Did They Ever Touch You?" Official Clip
  • Clip "Until Our Next Adventure" Official Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Brigsby Bear?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is James' primary source of entertainment while in the bunker?

Cars

Cars in Brigsby Bear

13 cars on screen, including the 2006 Ford Ranger and the 1996 Saturn SL2.

All 13 cars
  • 2006 Ford Ranger in Brigsby Bear 2006 Ford Ranger Important role
  • 1996 Saturn SL2 in Brigsby Bear 1996 Saturn SL2 Important role
  • Volvo S40 in Brigsby Bear Volvo S40 Important role
  • 2015 Chevrolet Suburban in Brigsby Bear 2015 Chevrolet Suburban Minor role
Details

Brigsby Bear Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Die Abenteuer von Brigsby Bär” and “בריגסבי הדב”.

Also known as
  • Die Abenteuer von Brigsby Bär
  • בריגסבי הדב
  • Приключенията на мечока Бригсби
  • Медвежонок Бригсби
  • 布里斯比熊
  • 브릭스비 베어
  • Brigsby Ayıcığı
  • Medvěd Brigsby
  • Lācēna Brigsbija piedzīvojumi
  • Miś Brigsby
  • בריגסבי הדוב
  • Brigsby mackó
+5 more
  • 熊幸福騙局
  • As Aventuras de Brigsby Bear
  • Ведмідь Брігзбі
  • ブリグズビー・ベア, დათვი ბრიგსბი
  • Ursul Brigsby

Seen Brigsby Bear?

FAQ

Brigsby Bear FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Brigsby Bear, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Brigsby Bear?

Brigsby Bear runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was Brigsby Bear released?

Brigsby Bear was released on July 28, 2017.

Who directed Brigsby Bear?

Brigsby Bear was directed by Dave McCary.

More films by Dave McCary

Who is in the cast of Brigsby Bear?

Brigsby Bear stars Greg Kinnear, Mark Hamill and Matt Walsh, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Brigsby Bear make at the box office?

Brigsby Bear grossed $681,632 worldwide ($532,669 domestic, $148,963 international).

How is Brigsby Bear rated?

Brigsby Bear has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic and 71% on TMDB.

Does Brigsby Bear have a post-credit scene?

No. Brigsby Bear has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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