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.
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 10 wins & 18 nominations.
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
Black is terrific. Rather than winking at the audience, he plays Bernie as a guy who's thoroughly unaware that there's anything unconventional about his behavior.
– Calvin Wilson,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
18 May 2012
fresh:
Propelled by a perfectly cast trio of stars whose eccentricities shine in singular character roles, Bernie is charmer.
– Jennie Punter,
Globe and Mail,
18 May 2012
fresh:
Bernie has chuckles, but it's hardly riotous. And this is a good thing.
– Lisa Kennedy,
Denver Post,
18 May 2012
fresh:
The question of why the law must always be upheld, regardless of consequences, gives this light, amiable movie a surprising heft and weight.
– Rene Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
24 May 2012
fresh:
"Bernie' isn't a monumental film, but it is a finely tuned character study with some nice innovations.