Director Annabelle Attanasio’s first foray into filmmaking, Mickey and the Bear, is a raw and genuine coming-of-age tale featuring Camila Morrone and James Badge Dale in pivotal roles, with Calvin Demba, Rebecca Henderson, and Ben Rosenfield offering strong support.
Despite receiving a stellar 100 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2019 indie flick only scraped together a meagre $57,188 at the global box-office. Attanasio not only directed but also wrote the screenplay, garnering critical acclaim for her work; one critic hailed the film as “a rare and remarkable feat to pull off so well for a first-time director”.
Another review praised the film, stating: “Filmmaker Annabelle Attanasio’s debut film is an honest and empathetic look at the toughest parts of someone’s upbringing with incredible performances from its two stars.”
Mickey and the Bear delves into the life of teenager Mickey Peck and her complex relationship with her opioid-dependent, war veteran father, Hank. Set against the backdrop of Anaconda, a small town in Montana, the film explores the intense yet fragile bond between Mickey and her father, marked by love, volatility, and toxicity.
The narrative poignantly examines their intricate dynamics and Hank’s reliance on his daughter, while Mickey grapples with her sense of duty to family versus her yearning for independence and a brighter future, reports the Mirror US.
Dale and Morrone’s poignant delineations earned acclaim from all quarters, with a critic penning: “James Badge Dale and Camila Morrone are achingly real here. The film’s script gives them plenty to do, and both ace their difficult roles.”
While an enthusiast gushed: “Absolutely amazing, Camila is a rising star.”
Subsequently, another penned appreciation for the film’s genuine quality, commenting: “Rich in authenticity with superb performances by Camila Morrone and James Badge Dale. One of the best Indie films of 2019.”
Meanwhile, a reviewer lavished praise on the ensemble and the film’s impactful finale: “Bolstered by a phenomenal cast and an ending that will leave the audience breathless, there is not a single misstep in the entire production.”
Stunned cinemagoers expressed their astonishment, with one stating: “I went in without even watching the trailer and was blown away. Strong acting from Morrone and Badge Dale. Wouldn’t be surprised to see it win an award.”
Camila Morrone, who takes centre stage in the film, is no newcomer to the acting world. As the daughter of Argentine actors Lucila Solá and Maximo Morrone, and with Al Pacino as her stepfather, she has grown up surrounded by the craft.
Discussing what drew her to the role, Morrone revealed to Forbes: “I read a lot of scripts, but few of them stand out to me. So for me, it was that when I read the script, I didn’t even get through it, and I was like, “this is something I want to do. ” I could just tell it had the elements of characters that I’m interested in playing. So I was already instantly drawn to it.”
Audiences have been captivated by the film, with one viewer praising debutant director Attanasio’s exceptional talent: “I was sceptical before seeing Mickey and the Bear, as I am with all movies that score such high ratings… but after 15 minutes I was convinced of Annabelle Attanasio’s raw talent to write dialogue and knack for layered storytelling. For such a young writer she has skill and knowledge way beyond her years.”
Other audience reviews have been equally glowing, with one enthusing: “Absolutely the best movie I’ve seen all year. Everyone needs to see this film, ESPECIALLY while it’s in theaters. Not to be missed!”.
Another reviewer echoed this sentiment, saying: “Fantastic acting, writing, and filming makes this group of newcomers top notch.”
Mickey and the Bear is available to rent on Apple TV+