Watch Infinitely Polar Bear

Infinitely Polar Bear is a heartfelt film, directed by Maya Forbes, inspired by her own childhood experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family. The story centers on the Stuart family, a couple struggling to keep their family together while dealing with the father's bipolar disorder. Set in the 1970s, the movie follows the life of Cameron Stuart (Mark Ruffalo), a man who spirals into depression and manic episodes. Cameron faces challenges in maintaining his job as a marketer, which leads to the loss of the family's financial stability. When his wife Maggie (Zoe Saldana) gets accepted into a business school in New York, she leaves for eighteen months, placing the responsibility of raising their two daughters, Faith (Ashley Aufderheide) and Amelia (Imogene Wolodarsky), solely on Cameron's shoulders.

In a world where mental illness was barely understood and often misconstrued, Infinitely Polar Bear delicately handles the subject with sensitivity, realism, and humor. The audience watches as Cameron's illness affects his relationship with his wife and daughters, but they also see the love and affection amongst the family members as they navigate through the difficult times.

Mark Ruffalo delivers a breathtaking performance in this movie, portraying the ups and downs of someone with bipolar disorder. He captures the manic and depressive episodes of Cameron's illness, with a raw and nuanced portrayal that will tug at the heartstrings of anyone watching the movie. The audience sees how his character struggles to balance his illness with fatherhood, leading to several emotionally charged scenes.

Zoe Saldana, on the other hand, is brilliant as the mother who is trying to start her career while supporting her husband in his time of need. She has a natural screen presence that matches Ruffalo's acting chops, creating a compelling dynamic between the pair.

Imogene Wolodarsky, the daughter of the director, deserves special praise for her performance. She delivers a fantastic performance as Amelia, portraying the confusion and fear she faces in trying to understand and support her father's mental illness. Her character is the emotional compass of the film, bringing about a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the otherwise emotionally charged scenes.

The movie has a nostalgic and sweet tone to it that transports the audience back to the late 1970s. The authentic depiction of the period costumes, music, and decor adds a layer of depth to the film, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

Infinitely Polar Bear is a heartwarming movie that touches on many themes, including mental health, family dynamics, gender roles, and societal expectations. It explores the struggles and triumphs of a family facing a challenging situation, and it effectively highlights the importance of love, acceptance, and resilience.

In conclusion, Infinitely Polar Bear is a must-watch for anyone looking for a poignant and touching story that will leave them feeling both uplifted and empathetic. The film is inspiring, and it reminds us that family bonds can withstand even the toughest challenges when there is love and understanding.

Infinitely Polar Bear is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 64.