Brigsby Bear

James Mitchum lives with his claimed parents, Ted and April, in an underground bunker. This confined space becomes both a refuge and a prison for him as he listens to Ted's cautionary tales about the dangers outside, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.

In the bunker, James finds solace in *Brigsby Bear*, a children's show created by Ted. This colorful world offers him a sense of joy and connection, becoming his only escape from the dullness of his everyday life.

Driven by a longing for freedom, James makes the brave decision to sneak out of the bunker one fateful evening. As he ventures into the unknown, he is met with police sirens, which foreshadow the chaos that is about to unfold.

The police, responding to the tips from concerned citizens, storm the underground bunker. James is forcibly separated from Ted and April, who are taken into custody, leaving him bewildered and alone.

At the police station, James meets Detective Vogel, who attempts to unravel the truth of his existence. She reveals that Ted and April are not his biological parents, introducing him to his real family, Greg and Louise.

James struggles with the revelation of his true identity and the isolation he has faced since childhood. He finds comfort in Emily, a psychologist, who helps him process his feelings surrounding the show *Brigsby Bear*.

James learns that his father Ted, an artist, created *Brigsby Bear* in 1987, before disappearing. This moment deepens his desire to honor the legacy by creating his own film inspired by the beloved character.

With Aubrey's support, James connects with Spencer, a budding filmmaker, to work on his *Brigsby Bear* inspired film. Detective Vogel helps by providing props from the show, igniting James' creative spirit.

While filming a scene in the woods, James's prop explodes, leading to chaos as police arrive at the scene. In an act of bravery, James takes full responsibility for the accident, resulting in the confiscation of important props.

Desperate to reclaim the stolen *Brigsby Bear* props, James steals his parents' car under the cover of night. He journeys back to his former underground home, now sealed off and filled with memories of his past life.

At a diner, James unexpectedly reunites with Whitney, an actress from the original *Brigsby Bear* series. Their conversation reveals her ignorance about the nature of the show, prompting James to ask her to reprise her character in his film.

Meanwhile, Aubrey's parents notice the artistic and personal growth James has undergone through the film project. This transformation highlights the positive impact of creative expression on his relationships.

Just as James feels hope slipping away in a mental institution, he seizes an unexpected opportunity to escape. Regaining his freedom, he discovers that his family and friends have been working on a *Brigsby Bear* set in their garage.

With the support of his family, Vogel, and Whitney stepping into key roles, James dedicates himself to completing the film. A heartfelt visit to Ted in prison leads to an apology, and Ted records voiceovers for the character.

On the day of the film's premiere, James battles anxiety about the audience's reaction. He steps into the theater to witness a standing ovation, embraced by his loving family, culminating in a magical moment with a real *Brigsby Bear* on stage.