Richard J. Bosner

Richard J. Bosner’s name pops up in the credits of some pretty unforgettable indie flicks. You’ve got Fruitvale Station, that gut-punch of a film from 2013, which basically had everyone leaving the theater in stunned silence. The way that movie handled real-life tragedy? Seriously, not for the faint of heart. Bosner had his fingerprints all over that one, bringing together a cast and crew that managed to capture the raw energy and emotion of Oscar Grant’s story. And let’s be real, it takes guts to pull off something that honest on screen. Fast-forward to Black Bear in 2020, and you get this twisted, layered story that messes with your head in the best way. Aubrey Plaza absolutely crushes it—there’s so much tension and awkwardness, you can almost taste it. Bosner’s behind-the-scenes work is all about letting those weird, uncomfortable moments breathe. There’s a kind of magic there, like he knows exactly when to push the envelope and when to hit pause. Then you’ve got Other People (2016), which is this bittersweet ride through family drama, grief, and—oddly enough—comedy. It’s not easy to make people laugh and cry in the same scene, but somehow, everything clicks. Bosner seems drawn to stories that aren’t afraid to get messy, that don’t tie everything up in a neat little bow. His filmography is proof that he’s not shying away from tough subjects or complicated emotions. If you’re looking for movies that stick with you, his name’s worth remembering.