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The Shepherd and the Bear

Play trailer Poster for The Shepherd and the Bear 2025 1h 41m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 5 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Set high in the majestic French Pyrenees, THE SHEPHERD AND THE BEAR explores a conflict provoked by the reintroduction of brown bears in the midst of a traditional shepherding community. The film follows an aging shepherd who struggles to find a successor as bears prey on his flock, and a teenage boy who becomes obsessed with tracking the bears. Through its breathtaking cinematography and immersive storytelling, THE SHEPHERD AND THE BEAR is a modern folktale about tradition, community and humanity's relationship with a vanishing natural world.
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The Shepherd and the Bear

Critics Reviews

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Megan Feeney Sight & Sound Feb 5, 2026
Max Keegan explores both sides of the debate over reintroducing wild bears to the French mountains, offering a compassionate understanding of a local shepherd’s fear for his livelihood. Go to Full Review Cath Clarke Guardian Feb 4, 2026
3/5
Whichever side of the argument you instinctively find yourself on -- team bear or team shepherd -- the film resists snap judgments. Go to Full Review Alistair Harkness Scotsman Feb 10, 2026
4/5
Director Max Keegan doesn’t amp up this conflict though; embedding himself in the community his approach is more reminiscent of Frederick Wiseman’s as he quietly observes his subjects, revealing a more nuanced picture of the complexities of rural life. Go to Full Review Sarah Kent The Arts Desk Feb 9, 2026
4/5
By simply following events as they unfold, Keegan allows all sides of the argument to be aired by the protagonists. Go to Full Review Avi Offer NYC Movie Guru Nov 20, 2025
A mesmerizing, beautifully shot and eye-opening emotional journey that's also somewhat gripping and breathtaking at times. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
The Shepherd and the Bear

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Cast & Crew

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Max Keegan

Director

Max Keegan

Screenwriter

Elizabeth Woodward

Producer

Amanda McBaine

Producer

Jesse Moss

Producer

Max Keegan

Producer

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The Shepherd and the Bear

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Movie Info

Synopsis Set high in the majestic French Pyrenees, THE SHEPHERD AND THE BEAR explores a conflict provoked by the reintroduction of brown bears in the midst of a traditional shepherding community. The film follows an aging shepherd who struggles to find a successor as bears prey on his flock, and a teenage boy who becomes obsessed with tracking the bears. Through its breathtaking cinematography and immersive storytelling, THE SHEPHERD AND THE BEAR is a modern folktale about tradition, community and humanity's relationship with a vanishing natural world.
Director
Max Keegan
Producer
Elizabeth Woodward, Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss, Max Keegan
Screenwriter
Max Keegan
Distributor
WILLA
Production Co
Salthill Films, WILLA
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
French
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 21, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 1, 2026
Runtime
1h 41m
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