Film Review: Snow and the Bear

By Jackie Spafford

Snow and the Bear (Kar ve ayi)
In Turkish with sub-titles. 93 minutes.
Director: Selcen Ergun

The title of this film from Turkey puts the characters in the correct order – snow is the star. The bear, while it does make a brief appearance, is frequently referenced and serves more as an idea or symbol.  While a powerful actor, it is second on the marquee.

The story begins not with a bear, but with a young nurse who has been assigned to a posting in a small village in Turkey, driving alone on snow-covered roads in a car that doesn’t seem up to the challenge. Along the way she meets the first of the villagers who play a part in this tale.

As a nurse, she projects a devotion to her calling, and treats all patients in the tiny rustic clinic and in house calls with practicality and professionalism. Through phone calls with her parents we learn that she is stubborn and took this position much against their wishes.

As she settles in she discovers the quirks and secrets of the residents. While most welcome her, there is one threatening character, and an outcast who may or may not be her guardian angel.

The story becomes a mystery, involving a bear that has prematurely come out of hibernation and a missing person.  Is there a connection? Through the nurse’s perspective we see the story unfold, and each character comes into sharper focus.

Snow is the backdrop and is alternatively threatening and protective, a force that can’t be controlled. It is beautifully photographed, with infinite colors and textures. The sound of walking on packed snow at night, or the beauty of standing in a gentle snow fall, feel very tangible.

Snow and the Bear is a moody, slow film, so don’t watch it expecting a thrill ride. But it will reward your patience with a satisfying and beautiful experience.

The 38th Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs through February 18. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. Passes and tickets are on sale now at sbiff.org.