Written and directed by Jay Duplass, co-written by Michael Strassner, a newly sober man’s Christmas Eve dental emergency leads to an unexpected romance with his older dentist as they explore Baltimore together. Starring: Michael Strassner, Liz Larsen, Olivia Luccardi, Chris Strassner, Rob Phoenix, Jessie Cohen, Brian Mendes and Zoe Strassner.
It’s rare to find a film that is so sweet and touching, while being utterly sincere and organic, that it makes your heart so full, that you absolutely cannot take it, but The Baltimorons is one of them. The casting department on this film deserve all the credit in the world for putting together one of the most unlikely and one of the most charming combinations of actors ever to grace the screen, Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen.
The connection that Strassner and Larsen have is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to authenticity, spark and natural chemistry. Jay Duplass and Michael Strassner create these two endearing, lovely and lively characters then Strassner and Larsen bring them to life in an understated yet phenomenal way. It’s almost like creating an answer to Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist for the viewers that were in their teens when it came out, now deep into adulthood. Tapping into the coincidental meeting that grows into an unexpected deep, meaningful connection, with plenty of comedy and chaos along the way.
Michael Strassner’s Cliff is quite possibly one of the most adorable men you will find in the world of cinema. He’s hilarious and hugely charismatic but Strassner also perfectly captures the struggle that’s hidden beneath that bouncy, electric exterior. Liz Larsen’s Didi is self-conscious and not letting herself truly have the life she deserves, but she’s also strong, smart and incredibly handy in a pinch. Together they bring out the best in each other, embracing the unknown, taking risks, living life to the fullest and realising that what they need to be happy is right in front of them.
The almost crazy thing is that while speaking of it sounds incredibly cheesy, The Baltimorons itself never is, not for a second. The low-key, truly indie, humble style that Jay Duplass creates, along with the nostalgic, old-school quality to Jonathan Bregel’s cinematography keep it sincere and real. The film actually marks Bregel’s first feature as DP which makes it even more impressive because the aesthetic is really strong and reminiscent of Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point or Ghostlight.
Duplass also does a wonderful job of keeping the energy up, there’s an excellent pacing to The Baltimorons. It’s continually moving forward in a slightly hectic manner and yet it never feels rushed, it always has the time to reflect and bask in its emotional moments. He manages to capture that feel of fate pulling them in different unexpected, chaotic directions and yet there’s also a very purposeful nature to it. It holds an engagingly wholesome and moving presence.
The Baltimorons is the romcom you never knew you needed, it’s incredible, funny and endlessly charming. Putting together Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen may be one of the greatest pieces of casting in the history of cinema because the chemistry and connection between the two of them is unparalleled. Everything about the film is so natural, it’s sincerely touching and such a great time. It’s unconventional and understated, with a great earnest style but at the same time it gives us everything another romance might have, Jay Duplass just does it better.
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