Commentary: The Dark Truth Of ‘The Bear’

Mental health plays a big role in The Bear. There are so many characters with such high character drama that properly handling relationships becomes a foundational theme of the story. The main character, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), has to constantly contend with a wild family life, which he leaves behind in order to enter a wild professional life. Many stories like this will try to project growth in Carmy’s character. In fact, he is extremely torn and conflicted about trying to stop the toxic behavior that has affected him so negatively. Unfortunately, there’s a dark truth to the show: he’s just as self-absorbed and narcissistic as the people he’s trying to escape.

The basic premise sees Carmy return home to Chicago after his brother, Michael (Jon Bernthal), commits suicide. Michael left Carmy the family sandwich shop, which he then tried to turn around using the culinary experience he gained from traveling the world. Ultimately, Carmy decides to close up the shop and instead open up a high-end restaurant that he’s determined to make the best in the world. Rather than completely fire the shop staff, he keeps them on, pushing them to fit into this high-stakes world of fine dining.

On one level, it’s very noble of Carmy to create something truly special in this Chicago neighborhood. Nevertheless, this decision is a twisted manipulation when viewed from another level. Many of the characters who worked in the sandwich shop are just regular people trying to live their everyday lives. They are not looking for a high-pressure environment or to be the best in the culinary world. They just want to go to work in order to take care of their families. Carmy never consulted them or even considered those angles when he made the decision to thrust them into a huge life choice. All he was considering was himself and what he wanted. It’s a very dark side of the show for Carmy to continue the very self-absorbed behavior he hates in others.

The Bear is now streaming on Hulu.