If you’ve already watched the trailer for Black Bear, and think you know what this film is about, I can already tell you, you’re wrong.

In what I can only describe as a more consumer-friendly version of a Charlie Kaufman story, Black Bear is a twisty drama that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Aubrey Plaza anchors the film as Allison, a washed-up actress-turned-film director, who, in an attempt to beat writer’s block, arrives at the remote cabin of Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and his pregnant girlfriend, Blair (Sarah Gadon).

The creative compound, inherited by Gabe, is meant to serve as a breeding ground for artists to work on their craft, and Allison seems to be lacking the inspiration that the cabin could offer.

Allison’s first interaction with Gabe and Blair is pleasant enough, but it’s clear that their own relationship is hanging on by just a thread. Bickering, fragile egos, and messy accusations eventually lead to a jealousy-based blowout, pitting baby mama against house guest in a competition for male attention.

Allison is like a splinter in between your fingers (in this case, Gabe and Blair’s relationship); you don’t know how it got there, but it hurts like hell. Inserting herself in their private life seems irresponsible, but is drama the inspiration that Allison is after? Or is it something more?

The chaotic energy between the characters bubbles until it’s just about to burst and that anticipation is calculated cinematic masochism at its finest.

It takes about 45 minutes for the film to reveal a major twist that makes you rethink everything you just saw. The patience in writer/director Lawrence Michael Levine’s approach to this cerebral drama is well worth the wait. The chaotic energy between the characters bubbles until it’s just about to burst and that anticipation is calculated cinematic masochism at its finest.

For Aubrey Plaza, Black Bear feels like her first “grown-up” film. She stays true to her dark humor, while also offering a depth that I haven’t seen before. She gets vulnerable and, in turn, relatable. Christopher Abbott is the perfect counterbalance to Plaza, his performance being another knockout. Abbott has never disappointed in a role, he always seems to mold into his characters and the same is true here.

If you’re looking for a smart, sharp film with a strong vision, Black Bear is for you. This confident feature will keep you guessing all the way up until the end credits roll. In short, it’s bear-y good.

Distributed by Momentum Pictures, ‘Black Bear’ is available in select theaters this Friday, 12/4.