Directed by Alix Blair, a rebellious young woman marries a prominent Republican politician twenty-six years older than her. Decades later, anticipating his death, she wrestles with their marriage, her sexuality, and a life spent by his side. Starring: Helen McCloskey and Peter McCloskey.

One of the really interesting elements which Alix Blair captures with Helen and the Bear is that the documentary has a very old-school, wholesome atmosphere while exploring an unconventional marriage. The film portrays a genuinely lovely example of how people find their own method of making marriage work, it’s not one size fits all. Their relationship is really the bedrock of the film and while it is sincerely touching to witness, it doesn’t feel like we’re entirely getting to grips with all the different issues coming into play.

There are all sorts of themes running throughout Helen and the Bear, from identity and sexuality to age gap relationships, to illness and mortality just to start with. So, while the film does dip into each subject, the observational style doesn’t always give the opportunity to dig deeper. A lot of the emotional content is not spoken about directly, there is more of a talking heads approach employed in the earlier scenes but that gradually fades away.

It still works, the tone is there, and Helen McCloskey makes for an interesting subject to follow but it’s not quite hitting that powerful note. Part of why it still works well is the quality of Blair’s direction and cinematography. There’s a great mixture of intimate, everyday shots, wider landscapes and there’s also some night shots of the farm which have a wonderful texture to them. Blair does a great job of instilling the spirit of the subjects into the atmosphere of the documentary, their ferocity, dedication and compassion.

Helen and the Bear is a well made documentary that captures a wonderful relationship between Helen and Peter McCloskey but it feels like the complicated issues at its foundation go underexplored. There’s so much at work beneath the surface, particularly with Helen’s reflection on her past, that it feels as though there’s only enough time to dip its toes into each topic. It’s moving and thoughtful nonetheless but there was the potential for something more impactful.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10

Celebrated its NY Premiere at DOC NYC Selects on March 25