The Duplass Brothers have the market cornered on adult indie comedies that examine the complexity of relationships between individuals who have don’t have it quite figured out (Cyrus, Jeff Who Lives At Home). Typically, there’s a heartwarming cocktail mix of sweet sentimentality, silly gags, and a sliver of darkness. This combo works especially well within the confines of a holiday movie. And that’s what makes Jay Duplass’ new film, The Baltimorons, a welcomed fresh tone within the highly over-saturated Christmas genre.
There’s a realness to it. A relatable and engaging earnestness that has quite an infectious charm. This is primarily propelled by the two romantic leads, Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen. Strassner plays Cliff, a down-on-his-luck comedian who needs an emergency dental procedure on Christmas Eve. Didi (Larsen) is the only dentist on call to aid his oral crisis (she also happens to be a recent divorcee).
At first, they’re oil and water, because they’re both dealing with unhappiness via their previous/current respective relationships, in addition to Didi being notably older than Cliff. But the friction evolves into affection over the course of their Christmas Eve journey, and it’s mostly delightful to watch unfold.
The film has a very rich visual texture. Intimate, grainy, natural cinematography that really pulls you in. As the title suggests, the film is set in Baltimore and Duplass uses a multitude of environments to establish the setting almost as a character (bars, comedy clubs, impound lots). The aesthetic is warm and cozy, even when there’s darkly comedic displays of things like attempted suicide. The craft is far above your average Christmas romantic comedy and is just wonderful to look at.
The Baltimorons doesn’t quite achieve true greatness from either a holiday film or indie rom-com perspective. Some of the humor doesn’t land and the character arcs are sometimes frustrating in their development. There’s also an improv comedy scene of which I didn’t love the execution. But it’s cute. It’s warm. It’s different. It’s a good people-focused film to snuggle up on the couch and watch with your special someone this holiday season.
