Watch Bear Nation

Bear Nation is a 2010 documentary that explores the world of bear culture. Directed by Douglas Langway and featuring cameos from notable bears such as Kevin Smith, the film examines the diversity within the larger bear community and the various subcultures that exist within it. The film begins with an overview of what being a bear means to those who identify as such. While traditionally, bears have been defined by their physical appearance—hairy, larger, and more muscular than the average gay man—the term has since expanded to include men of all shapes and sizes who share a common bond over a love of facial and body hair. Langway then proceeds to take the viewers on a journey through the various bear subcultures, including leather bears, muscle bears, and cubs, among others.

The first section of the documentary focuses on the bear community's rich history, tracing the roots of the movement back to the late 1970s when hairiness was considered an act of defiance against the smoother, more effeminate look popularized by the mainstream gay community at the time. Through interviews with various members of the bear community, we learn about the early gatherings and events that laid the foundation for the community, including the birth of the bear flag and the first bear run in Provincetown.

From here, the film moves on to exploring the various subcultures within bear culture, beginning with the leather bears. Leather bears are a subset of bears who are into BDSM, leather, and other fetish gear. We meet several leather bears who share their experiences and thoughts on the overlap between the bear and leather communities, and how they relate to each other.

Next, we move on to muscle bears, a group of bears who are into fitness and bodybuilding. We learn that while traditionally, bears have been associated with a more laidback, laissez-faire attitude towards fitness, the rise of muscle bears as a subculture has turned that stereotype on its head. We meet several muscle bears who talk about the importance of fitness in their lives and how it has helped them overcome personal obstacles.

Another subculture explored in the film is the cubs, a term used to describe younger, chubbier guys who are sexually attracted to bears. We learn that while these guys may not necessarily identify as bears themselves, they still feel a strong connection to the bear community and are an important part of it. The film features interviews with several cubs who share their experiences navigating the bear community and what being part of it means to them.

Throughout the film, Langway weaves in personal stories from various members of the bear community, from men who have struggled with body image issues to those who have found solace and acceptance within the bear community. One particularly moving interview is with a man who talks about how the bear community helped him come to terms with his HIV diagnosis and gave him a sense of purpose and community that he had been missing.

Bear Nation is a feel-good documentary that celebrates the diversity and inclusivity of the bear community. While some may view bear culture as a niche subculture within the larger LGBTQ+ community, the film argues that it is an incredibly important one. By providing a space for men who may feel excluded from mainstream gay culture, the bear community has created a sense of belonging and acceptance that is incredibly powerful.

Overall, Bear Nation is an entertaining and informative look into a subculture that many may not be familiar with. Whether you're a bear yourself or just curious about the community, the film is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating group of men.

Bear Nation is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.