Bernie 2012
"A story so unbelievable it must be true."
Richard Linklater's quirky dramedy *Bernie (2012)* dives into the darkly comic underbelly of a seemingly idyllic small-town Texas.
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast
Jack Black
Bernie Tiede
Shirley MacLaine
Marjorie Nugent
Matthew McConaughey
Danny Buck Davidson
Brady Coleman
Scrappy Holmes
Richard Robichaux
Lloyd Hornbuckle
Rick Dial
Don Leggett
Brandon Smith
Sheriff Huckabee
Larry Jack Dotson
Rev. Woodard
Merrilee McCommas
Molly
Mathew Greer
Carl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bernie (2012) about?
*Bernie* follows a beloved small-town mortician who forms an unlikely bond with a wealthy, difficult widow. As her controlling behavior escalates, his once-friendly relationship darkens into something far more desperate. The film explores how ordinary people can become trapped in extraordinary circumstances.
Who directed Bernie?
Richard Linklater, the acclaimed director behind *Dazed and Confused* and the *Before* trilogy, helmed *Bernie*.
Who stars in Bernie?
Jack Black leads the cast as Bernie Tiede, with Shirley MacLaine as Marjorie Nugent, and Matthew McConaughey in a supporting role.
Is Bernie (2012) worth watching?
If you enjoy dark comedies with unexpected depths, *Bernie* is a must-see. Jack Black's performance is a standout, and the mockumentary format adds a layer of intrigue. It's more than just a crime story—it's a character study wrapped in Southern Gothic charm.
How long is Bernie?
The film runs for 99 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Bernie (2012) — Jack Black's Dark Comedy About a Texas Mortician's Desperation
Richard Linklater's quirky dramedy *Bernie (2012)* dives into the darkly comic underbelly of a seemingly idyllic small-town Texas. At its heart is Bernie Tiede, a beloved mortician whose warm demeanor masks a growing sense of suffocation under the domineering Marjorie Nugent, a wealthy widow notorious for her prickly personality. As their relationship spirals from friendship into something far more sinister, Bernie's actions take a shocking turn, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator in a tale that feels ripped from real-life headlines. With its deadpan humor and unexpected twists, the film examines power, control, and the monstrous hidden beneath ordinary facades.
Blending comedy with crime, *Bernie* thrives on its mockumentary-style storytelling, weaving in interviews with locals who remain torn between disbelief and gossip. Jack Black delivers a career-best performance as the titular character, balancing charm and menace, while Shirley MacLaine captivates as the enigmatic Marjorie. The film's tone oscillates between laughter and dread, mirroring the absurdity and tragedy of its true story.
