The Baltimorons is a new film that initially released at this year’s South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, and will release wide this Friday. Directed by Jay Duplass and written by Duplass & Michael Strassner, the film stars Strassner, Liz Larsen, and Olivia Luccardi. On Christmas Eve, Cliff, a newly sober improv comedian, cracks a tooth and lands in the emergency care of Didi, an older no-nonsense dentist. What begins as a routine check-up sparks an unpredictable evening of misadventures. Together, Cliff and Didi fight to overcome being shut out by their families, face their biggest fears, and discover their own surprising and tender connection.

Anytime a screener comes through from IFC, I am always interested in watching it. I believe I have said it somewhere before in my reviews, but I find any IFC film worth watching, good or bad. Like A24, they are more of that underrated distributor that continues to release low-budget originals that helps catapult careers in the film industry. Many might already be familiar with the director’s name, Jay Duplass, but many may not be familiar with the co-writer and lead star, Michael Strassner. After this film, I can wait to see what Strassner does next.

As per usual, I try to avoid as much as possible going into a film. I want to be surprised and that’s what I got throughout the film. Sure, it was surprising to see a Christmas movie in September, but the writing, performances, and themes makes this a film worth seeing. In many ways, I can see the connection to The Holdovers based on how there are two characters at odds with one another, and then eventually warm up to each other by the end. The main difference here though is, of course, the romantic relationship at its core.

Any time there’s a notable age gap in a film, it’s easy to pass it off. Truthfully, I don’t even know what the age gap is between the two characters. The film isn’t meant to sway you way or the other. The age gap is notable in the film, but what really drives the film is the chemistry these two have as performers. To my surprise, Michael Strassner has done a lot, but nothing as big as you may think. I keep mistaking him with Matt Berry. If Strassner hasn’t had his big break yet, this is it.

Casting Strassner in the lead role just shows what Duplass saw in him as he carries the film. The way we are introduced to the character is dark and depressing. As the film goes on, you wouldn’t think he’s depressed or anxious based on the way he wants to make others happy. That’s a clear indicator for someone who may have one or the other, or even both. Strassner plays the role with such conviction, making his performance one of the best of the year. He’s hilarious, charming, confident, and relatable.

Alongside him is Liz Larsen who also carries the film. The way she is able to reveal more of her true self around him as time goes on shows how strong the chemistry between the two are. There is a side plot, involving a girlfriend, played by Olivia Luccardi, that I am mixed on. The character certainly serves its purpose to the story, but the morals can get a bit hazy, especially when we are meant to like this main character. At the same time, it’s easy to connect with the main character through his flaws. I think it could have been better had his girlfriend been an ex-girlfriend. That way Strassner’s character can wrestle more with the past, present, and future.

Like The Holdovers, the film has a unique charm within the cinematography and sound design. Why they didn’t release in November or December is beyond me as I can’t imagine as many people going to see it now, and there’s no way the film is going to play long enough in theaters to still be there by the holidays. If the intent is to release it on streaming during the holidays where more people might see it, then I can see it working. Time will only tell.

As I did watch the film, it didn’t even register to me that Strassner was also a co-writer. All I could think of was how did Jay Duplass find this guy. Based on my research, Strassner is from the area. Having Strassner be from the area and listed as a co-writer makes sense why he brings so much authenticity to the role. The way the story unfolds delivers many twists that deepen the characterization. All I knew when I was watching it was that I didn’t want the film to end.

Overall, The Baltimorons is a delightful surprise with emotional performances and intriguing story. Michael Strassner delivers one of the best performances of the year in a film I hope will get the proper recognition. Based on how good this is, I guess Christmas came a little early this year.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)