[Non-Horror Review] A Little Bit Broken, A Little Bit Merry: The Baltimorons Finds Humanity in the Holidays

It was Christmas of ’98 when Furbies were the must-have toy for kids everywhere. As I descended the stairs at an all-too-early hour for my parents, I looked at my corner of the living room, which was scattered with toys from Santa. Pink frilly makeup sets, probably a Polly Pocket, and other gadgets that a newly teenage girl might want. But no Furbie.

I wasn’t surprised because Furbies were the most popular toy of the year, just like Labubus are today—instant collectibles that parents rushed to find.

As I reached for a small, cute, dorm-room-sized trash can meant for my room (a weird flex, Santa), I opened the lid. It was like a light shone from inside the tiny dumpster—a brand new, wide-eyed Furbie nestled inside.

It was an unexpected Christmas surprise, much like the thrill of discovering a new film, such as The Baltimorons, the latest movie from Jay Duplass, which is gaining buzz among indie film fans.

This is Duplass's first full-length feature, as he has mostly worked in television and co-directed with his brother, Mark (horror fans might recognize him better as “Peachfuzz” from Creep).

The script was co-written by Duplass and Michael Strassner, the film's star, who, like his character in the movie, is an actor and comedian.

I didn’t know much about this film going in, except that it was set around Christmas and was directed by Mark Duplass's brother (sorry, Jay). But it’s so much more than that.

It opens in a dusty attic with our main character, Cliff (Strassner), trying to make a noose out of a belt. When he attempts to hang himself, he falls to the floor, showing that things haven't been going well for him lately—clearly because he tried to commit suicide, but the comedic tone suggests he just can’t get anything in his life right.

Six months later, Cliff earns a sobriety medal. He tells his fiancée, Brittany (Olivia Luccardi), that he might stop by a stand-up show, and she basically freaks out. She doesn’t want him falling back into old habits, and he says he declined the invitation. She has this reaction several times throughout the story.

On his way to his future in-laws’ house for Christmas dinner, he hits the door frame and breaks a tooth. After a chaotic moment and a mouth full of blood, he calls several dentists and finds only one who will see him in an emergency, Didi (Liz Larsen). She is a divorced, older woman who isn’t in the mood for jokes or BS.

Cliff overhears Didi on the phone with her daughter, who tells her that her dad (Didi’s ex-husband) is getting married on Christmas Eve. This leaves Didi completely alone for the holiday, despite receiving a pity invite.

From this point, the rest of the film focuses on the various stops and locations where Cliff and Didi get into several shenanigans.

This is a film I consider to embody “the human experience'—character-driven stories that are deeply human, emotionally resonant, and highly relatable.

Until recent years, I didn't favor this genre much. Perhaps I enjoy them now because I’ve grown older and (some may argue) wiser. Now, I find these films especially engaging to analyze, as they often contain multiple layers of themes, messages, and lessons learned.

The key to making this type of movie successful is the performances. The Baltimorons features a small cast of three leading actors. Strassner and Larsen especially delivered incredible performances. I had an inkling from the beginning that these two were to develop a romantic relationship at some point in the film, and I found that very hard to believe, given the age difference.

But their chemistry is incredibly charming and heartwarming, and I found myself rooting for these two more and more as the movie went on. The banter between Cliff and Didi was hilarious, and their progression into flirting could warm even the coldest hearts.

I was somewhat uneasy about everything happening behind Cliff’s fiancée’s back, but it just added more depth to Cliff’s character in how he handles problems and confrontation.

Themes of deep loneliness are explored through the characters of Cliff and Didi. While the movie offers hope that these two might end up together, it also shows how each fills a void in each individual’s life.

Cliff is a recently sober mortgage broker and former comedian adjusting to a new way of life. Didi is a divorced, single grandmother who drifts through her days. Didi awakens something in Cliff he hasn’t felt in months, and Cliff fills a void for Didi.

And Cliff’s fiancée may love and care for him, but it’s clear she and he are not in love.

Despite the darker themes, the movie gave me the cozy feeling of a 1990s holiday rom-com with sweeping shots of Baltimore lit up by twinkling holiday lights. Paired with jazzy instrumental Christmas tunes softly playing in the background, it created a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that made me feel as if I had been transported to the heart of the city during the holiday season.

It reminded me of the stunning shots of Chicago in While You Were Sleeping.

My main complaint is that the movie felt too long. The various situations the characters encountered, like their growing conflicts and emotional struggles, became repetitive about three-quarters of the way through the film, making the viewing experience somewhat tiring. It left me mentally drained and craving a quicker resolution. I was ready for some conclusion or payoff, but it arrived a little too late in the runtime, which made the ending feel somewhat rushed, though I was satisfied with the outcome.

But overall, it's a great debut from Jay Duplass, and I will no longer refer to him as “Mark Duplass’ brother”.

I rate The Baltimorons 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to fans of atmospheric, character-driven films. The movie explores the details of its characters' lives, capturing their struggles and aspirations through subtle yet impactful storytelling. While I see it as a one-time watch for me, I acknowledge the skill evident in the film, from the direction to the performances, which were all excellent, providing a genuine and immersive experience.

I hope you all stay alert this holiday season for similar festive surprises, just as you would stay alert for the unexpected — like a kid in the 90s discovering a Furby on Christmas morning.

PS: If you want to know how Santa got the Furby, send me a message. It’s another funny story.

You can watch The Baltimorons now on Video on Demand.