Cocaine Bear (2023), directed by Elizabeth Banks, is a dark comedy–horror inspired (very loosely) by a true event from 1985. The film transforms a bizarre historical anecdote into a gory, chaotic, and unexpectedly heartfelt survival story set in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Detailed Summary
The Real-World Setup: The Cocaine Drop
The story begins with drug smuggler Andrew C. Thornton II dumping bags of cocaine out of a plane before falling to his death. Some of the bags land in a vast Georgia forest, setting in motion the chain of events that define the film. While the real bear never actually went on a murderous cocaine-fueled rampage, the movie fully embraces the “what if” scenario.
Meet the Characters: A Forest Full of Problems
We follow several intersecting groups:
- Sari, a single mother searching for her daughter Dee Dee and her friend Henry.
- Detective Bob, investigating the missing cocaine.
- Syd, a drug kingpin, and his associates Eddie and Daveed.
- Park rangers and hikers who have no idea what’s waiting in the woods.
Each of these storylines eventually crashes (sometimes literally) into the rampaging black bear.
The Bear Goes Berserk
After ingesting a massive amount of cocaine, the bear becomes hyper-aggressive, unpredictable, and sometimes weirdly affectionate. Key scenes involve:
- The bear attacking hikers.
- A chaotic encounter at the ranger station.
- A frantic ambulance chase scene considered one of the film’s standout set pieces.
These sequences balance gory horror with absurd comedy, showcasing the film’s deliberately over-the-top tone.
Closing In on the Missing Kids
Sari’s journey through the forest becomes more desperate as she encounters the aftermath of the bear’s rampage. Meanwhile, Syd forces Eddie and Daveed deeper into the woods to recover the cocaine before the authorities do.
Movie Ending
The final act takes place behind a waterfall, inside the bear’s makeshift den. Sari, her daughter Dee Dee, and Henry are confronted not only by the coked-up bear but also by Syd, who is determined to retrieve the remaining cocaine.
When Syd threatens the children, the bear—revived by accidentally ingesting more cocaine—returns with terrifying force. In a climactic sequence:
- The bear and her cubs (yes, even the cubs have ingested cocaine earlier in the movie) attack Syd.
- Syd is brutally killed, a moment presented with both horror and pitch-black humor.
- Sari, Dee Dee, and Henry escape the waterfall by leaping into a river below.
- Eddie and Daveed, now done with the drug business, leave the forest with a new outlook on life.
- Detective Bob’s heroic efforts earlier in the movie are honored indirectly through the recovery of some of the dropped cocaine and the arrest of associated criminals.
The bear and her cubs are shown alive and well, wandering the forest—clearly still under the influence and prepared to cause more chaos if disturbed.
The ending mixes survival, dark comedy, and an unexpected emotional thread, especially in Sari’s reunion with her daughter. It also closes the loop on all major storylines, including the drug ring, the detective’s mission, and the bear’s rampage.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes, Cocaine Bear features several short mid-credits moments, including comedic check-ins with surviving characters. They serve as epilogues rather than setup for sequels. There is no full post-credits scene after the final titles.
Type of Movie
This film is a dark comedy horror with crime elements, blending gory violence with absurd humor and an intentionally exaggerated tone.
Cast
- Keri Russell as Sari
- Alden Ehrenreich as Eddie
- O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Daveed
- Ray Liotta as Syd (one of his final film performances)
- Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Detective Bob
- Brooklynn Prince as Dee Dee
- Christian Convery as Henry
- Margo Martindale as Ranger Liz
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, whose synth-driven, playful yet tense music elevates both the comedy and suspense of the film. The soundtrack also incorporates period-appropriate 1980s tracks for added tone and authenticity.
Filming Locations
Cocaine Bear was primarily filmed in Ireland, especially in County Wicklow and around Powerscourt Estate. Despite being set in Georgia, Ireland provided the dense forests and rugged natural terrain needed for the film’s wilderness sequences. The darker, moodier nature of these woods helped emphasize the menace and chaos surrounding the bear.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, the film received:
- Fangoria Chainsaw Award nominations for its unique blend of horror and comedy.
- Recognition from various genre festivals and critics’ groups for makeup, creature effects, and Ray Liotta’s performance.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Elizabeth Banks originally intended the film to balance humor with sympathy for wildlife, arguing that the bear is “a victim of human stupidity.”
- The bear was entirely CGI, created using motion-capture reference performed by famed creature actor Allan Henry.
- Ray Liotta’s scenes were among the last he shot before his passing; the film is dedicated to him.
- The production used real 1980s drug smuggling records as inspiration for several comedic details.
- Many scenes involving kids were carefully choreographed to avoid exposing them to the film’s gorier moments during production.
Inspirations and References
- Loosely inspired by the true story of the “Pablo Escobear” incident.
- Influences include B-horror creature features, An American Werewolf in London, and Coen Brothers-style crime comedy.
- The 1970s–80s grindhouse aesthetic informed the tone, editing, and gore effects.
- Banks referenced films like Jaws for balancing tension with humor.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While the film doesn’t have publicly confirmed alternate endings, several deleted scenes were mentioned during interviews:
- An extended version of the hikers’ attack sequence.
- A longer comedic exchange between Eddie and Daveed.
- A cut subplot involving a local townsperson who believed the bear was a mythical guardian spirit.
None of these drastically alter the story but would have added additional humor or character beats.
Book Adaptations and Differences
There is no novel the film is based on. However, it draws from:
- News articles about the real 1985 incident.
- Books documenting the American drug trade of the era.
- Survival-horror tropes from contemporary fiction.
The main difference from real-life history is everything except “a bear once encountered cocaine,” which the filmmakers openly acknowledge.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The chaotic ranger station attack.
- The ambulance chase, widely considered the film’s most thrilling and funny sequence.
- The discovery of the coke-covered bear peacefully “enjoying” snowfall made of cocaine.
- The tense waterfall confrontation in the finale.
- The bear crushing a gangster under a tree while too high to notice.
Iconic Quotes
- “Dee Dee, don’t go into the woods without telling me!”
- “I loved her, Daveed. But she loved… cocaine more.”
- “Do not let that bear get any more cocaine!”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes subtle nods to Ray Liotta’s past crime-film roles via musical cues.
- A hiker’s T-shirt references “Smokey the Bear,” darkly ironic in this context.
- The ambulance paramedic is named “Beth,” a wink to classic slasher characters.
- The 1980s DEA briefing includes background photos of real drug-smuggling paraphernalia.
Trivia
- The real “Pablo Escobear” is taxidermied and on display in Kentucky.
- Elizabeth Banks wanted the bear to be “frightening but oddly adorable,” leading to extensive animation adjustments.
- Ray Liotta improvised several of his lines.
- The original script was far darker; Banks punched up the comedy.
Why Watch?
Because Cocaine Bear is wildly entertaining, confidently absurd, and surprisingly character-driven. It blends horror, comedy, crime, and heartfelt moments into a unique experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you enjoy creature features with personality, this one is worth your time.
Director’s Other Movies
- Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)
- Charlie’s Angels (2019)
- Call Jane (2022) – Banks stars, does not direct
Recommended Films for Fans
- Piranha 3D (2010)
- Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
- Zombieland (2009)
- The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
- Snakes on a Plane (2006)
