Cocaine Bear

What’s it about?

Bags of cocaine are consumed by a black bear in an American park causing it to go berserk. The park’s visitors find themselves caught in its violent killing spree.

The facts

• Directed by Elizabeth Banks (Charlie’s Angels, Pitch Perfect 2)
• English language
• Runtime: 95 minutes
• Inspired by a true event in 1985 where a bear ate cocaine

Why did it get this rating?

Horror

The film contains jump scares and moments where characters are terrified or hiding from Cocaine Bear. These moments are heightened by music and suspense.

Graphic violence

The film has many violent scenes where the bear attacks and mauls characters, sometimes dismembering them. These are mostly out of frame. However, some of their wounds are shown in gory detail, including blood, brain matter, internal organs and bones.

Drug use

Drugs are shown frequently throughout the film. The cocaine ingestion is mostly bear-related and unrealistic. However, the light-hearted way in which cocaine is dealt with here may normalise the idea of substance abuse for younger viewers.

Offensive language

There is frequent offensive language throughout the film, including instances of children swearing. Words like “motherf***ing”, “f***ed”, “sh*t”, “sh**ting”, and “f***ing” are used. The children’s comments are mostly for humorous effect.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• A brief history of the Cocaine Bear