Critical Movie Review of Infinitely Polar Bear (2015)

Martyna Błaszkiewicz

‘Infinitely Polar Bear’, directed by Maya Forbes and produced by Wally

Wolodarsky, Benji Kohn, Bingo Gubelmann, and Sam Bisbee, is a exploration of the
history and turmoil of a family that faces the challenge of everyday life.The main role
in this 2015 film is portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, who plays the character of Cam,
suffering from bipolar disorder. He is also accompanied by Zoe Saldana, who
discovers the role of Cam's hard-working wife Maggie, and Imogene Wolodarsky and
Ashley Aufderheide, who play their pre-adolescent daughters. The film is not directly
based on a literary work, however it is a fictionalized reflection on director’s
childhood. Although it didn't receive major awards, Mark Ruffalo earned a Golden
Globe nomination for his role and the film received a positive reception from both
viewers and critics.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a vibrant America in the 70s and it
introduces the audience to the emotional and unusual dynamics of the Stuart family.
The whole plot revolves around the person of Cam, who, through his outbursts of
aggression and eccentric behavior, is rejected by society, even loses his job. His wife,
wanting to improve the family's situation and give her daughters hope for the better
future, decides to leave the village, move to Boston and then go to New York to
pursue higher education. It forces Cam to become the primary caregiver for their two
daughters, Amelia and Faith. Cam, who deliberately avoids the use of lithium, tries to
make reality more palatable by intense smoking and sipping a huge amount of beer
every day. Still, he tries with all his might to be a good father, thereby proving to his
wife that they can be happily married again. Cam is extremely creative and dedicated,
he creates amazing works with girls such as a tower of mugs, prepares girls a lot of
pancakes, is involved in their relationships with peers and sews a flamenco skirt all
night for a school performance. His humor and charm are not everything as girls
sometimes have to face his regular emocional outbursts. They keep reminding him
about cleaning cluttered and cramped apartment and doing the laundry. They are
forced to become brave and independent since Cam can leave them in the middle of
the night. These bright and intelligent girls still love their father, who in winter plays

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basketball only in shorts, takes in homeless dogs and tries hard to fold neighbor’s
clothes for her.
‘Infinitely Polar Bear’ serves as a compelling argument for the unparalleled
strength of parental love in overcoming adversities. It shows that even an emotionally
damaged person can have enough devotion to be an excellent caretaker. Taking care
of his daughters makes Cam happier. He finally finds his fulfillment and the vocation
he unsuccessfully sought in facing bipolar disorder. His calling is fatherhood.
Through Cam's character, the film sheds light on bipolar disorder and prompts
a broader view on the transformative power of family bonds. The narrative advocates
for breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health issues, especially, bipolar
disorder presenting portrayal that evokes and promotes empathy and understanding.
It encourages viewers to reconsider their perspectives on mental health and be more
compassionate towards people facing mental health challenges. The film emphasize
that, with unwavering parental love, families can go through the complexity and
turmoil of life.
In conclusion, Infinitely Polar Bear stands as an underappreciated work that
combines exploration of intricate family ties with humor and heart. The film not only
shows the audience a different perspective on mental health but also gently touches
such issues as the class system or sexism in the workplace. The chemistry between the
cast members brings authenticity to the screen, allowing viewers to connect with the
characters on a profound level. Most importantly, it shows the power of parental love
leaving a lasting impact on viewers.