Bernie
Bernie

Bernie

2012Movie99 minEnglish

In small-town Texas, affable and popular mortician Bernie Tiede strikes up a friendship with Marjorie Nugent, a wealthy widow well known for her sour attitude. When she becomes controlling and abusive, Bernie goes to great lengths to remove himself from her grasp.

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IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users88%
Director: Richard LinklaterGenres: Biography, Comedy, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

In Carthage, Texas, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede is a beloved figure in the community, known for his kindness, generosity, and optimism. He forms a close bond with Marjorie Nugent, a wealthy and notoriously cantankerous widow. When their relationship turns sour and Marjorie becomes increasingly cruel and possessive, Bernie snaps and commits a shocking act, hiding the evidence. The town, initially disbelieving, must grapple with the truth as the investigation unfolds.

Critical Reception

Bernie was met with widespread critical acclaim, with praise directed at its unique blend of dark humor and genuine pathos, Jack Black's performance, and Richard Linklater's distinctive directorial style. Audiences also responded positively to the film's quirky narrative and empathetic portrayal of its titular character.

What Reviewers Say

  • A quirky and darkly humorous true crime story anchored by a fantastic performance from Jack Black.
  • Richard Linklater masterfully balances comedy and tragedy, creating a surprisingly empathetic portrait.
  • The film's unique narrative structure and memorable supporting characters contribute to its charm.

Google audience: Audiences widely praised Bernie for its engaging and unusual story, finding Jack Black's performance to be a highlight. Many appreciated the film's ability to evoke both laughter and sympathy, with particular admiration for its portrayal of small-town life and the complex nature of its central character.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Jack Black). Won Best Actor (Jack Black) at the Austin Film Critics Association Awards.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of Bernie Tiede, who was convicted of the 1996 murder of Marjorie Nugent. Tiede's story was originally detailed in a 1998 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Richard Linklater.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
DoryDarko

DoryDarko

Bernie is a really fun and enjoyable dark comedy, starring Jack Black and Shirley MacLaine. This is actually the true story of what happened between a purely good man and a purely evil woman. Jack Black plays Bernie Tiede, an assistant u...