Title: The Baltimorons
MPA Rating: R
Director: Jay Duplass
Starring: Michael Strassner, Liz Larsen, Olivia Luccardi
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins

What It Is: Cliff (Strassner) is a recovering alcoholic and former improv comic just trying to enjoy the holidays with his fiancée Brittany (Luccardi). When he has an accident that requires an emergency dental visit, on Thanksgiving, no less, he’s lucky that Didi (Larsen) is able to take him in. After getting his grill fixed, a series of strange events keeps bringing Didi back into Cliff’s life. All the while, Cliff is trying to avoid a friend’s improv show so he doesn’t feel triggered to drink again; he’s never done improv without alcohol.

What We Think: There’s a subtle brilliance to this film. The chemistry and relationship between Cliff and Didi is something most romantic comedies couldn’t achieve even if they tried. Strassner and Duplass wrote a fantastic script that ebbs and flows beautifully. It’s an impressive film that still maintains its small, intimate stature. Jay and his brother Mark are nearing two decades of independent brilliance, and it’s great to see they haven’t lost their penchant for small-scale stories. A trip around Baltimore on Christmas Eve with a complete stranger has probably never seemed so good, and the film doesn’t have a single glaring issue. Sure, some things could’ve been tightened up, but the feelings this movie evokes make it all worth it.

Our Grade: A-, This is a film I can highly recommend. It’s the sort of small gem we really don’t get enough of—a movie that will probably sneak its way into my top ten of the year, pending awards-season releases. Still, this is a very enjoyable film that you and your significant other may honestly love. It’s not a stretch to say this movie will let you fall in love with the characters and their beautiful day with one another.