![‘Nuisance Bear’ Review: Not Much Of A Menace, But As Directionless As Its Subject [Sundance]](https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/24170904/603046983_18551560801011327_8268016389702539201_n.jpg "‘Nuisance Bear’ Review: Not Much Of A Menace, But As Directionless As Its Subject [Sundance]")
Throughout Alaska, seeing the likes of caribou, moose and even polar bears is as common as a deer crossing in Wisconsin or grizzlies in the Smoky Mountains; it’s so familiar, in fact, that locals know the protocol in dealing with such wildlife regularly, to the point where natives can see someone from out of town who might regard such animals as majestic as an annoyance. This is where the appropriately named “Nuisance Bear” comes in.
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A documentary of sorts from directors Jack Weisman & Gabriela Osio Vanden, the film opens upon groups of presumed tourists, all embarking upon a day trip meant to get not-so-up-close nor personal with the arctic creature, as the tour guide dispenses light humor and precautions regarding how to ward off the animal were one to find it too close for comfort. As a wildlife ranger educates local children on what they themselves can do in such a situation, it’s here that the recurring shots of one particular polar bear, living up to its name as it wanders between buildings and trainyards, comes into play; to see this manner of bear outside the realm of its natural icy habitat is admittedly unusual, but as it approaches a construction site and backhoe operators sound their horn in an effort to scare it away does it become apparent how common this occurence has become.
The rangers know this all too well. When the call comes across the radio that a bear needs to be “moved, “this can mean the launch of flares in the skies above the direction of the animal to force it away from civilization through what’s simply a scare tactic, or as seen near the film’s midpoint, literally transporting a now-tranquilized bear from the facility it’s occupied since being captured. That said, a standard polar bear trap may not be enough to seal the deal, as seen when a bear can remove the bait from within before the trap door slams shut. The resilience of the bear, commented upon by the Alaskan Native who serves as the film’s de facto narrator, never appears in question.
Throughout the film, his words about how longer these bears stay on land and the increased danger that results sit fittingly alongside footage from Halloween night, as trick-or-treaters take to the Alaskan streets. In contrast, a bear roams, closely followed by authorities. Even as he mentions the hearing loss these bears have experienced due to human noise, he admits that animals can adapt. However, all of this remains hard for him to discuss, as he mentions how his son gave his life so his children could escape unharmed from a horrific polar bear attack.
Yet, despite the beautiful vistas seen from start to finish, it’s tricky to tell if the intention is to present our fearless polar star as a menace or otherwise. Similarly, the overall point or purpose, beyond showing how a polar bear deals with a nearby human presence and vice versa, is conveyed relatively quickly, leaving the rest of the film to rinse and repeat until that final shot of a drowsy bear, resting atop a snow pile before a setting sun. It’s undeniably gorgeous, but what’s the greater message?
If spotted, keep a safe distance. In the meantime, there’s always “Nuisance Bear.” [B-]
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