“The Baltimorons” Is a Messy, Endearing Slice of Baltimore Weirdness — And That's the Point
The first thing I thought after watching the trailer for The Baltimorons?
Oh no. They're doing Harold and Maude, but this time it's a dentist and a sad improv guy. In Baltimore.
But five minutes in, I was grinning like an idiot. Which, considering the plot involves cracked molars and emotional wreckage, felt strangely appropriate.
Directed by Jay Duplass (yes, of Duplass Brothers fame) and co-written by Michael Strassner — who also stars as Cliff, a newly sober comedian with the social skills of a defrosting tuna — The Baltimorons somehow walks that paper-thin line between precious and profound. It first premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, and has since made stops at Nantucket, Munich, and Karlovy Vary — where, by the way, people did not expect to laugh that hard.
And yet… here we are.
So What the Hell Is It About?
Short version:
On Christmas Eve, Cliff (Strassner) cracks a tooth, ends up in the emergency care of Didi (Liz Larsen), an older, gruff dentist with a wardrobe straight out of a REI clearance rack — and the two set off on an impromptu night of emotional triage, family rejection, and general Baltimore nonsense.
Longer version:
It's a story about two misfits — one reluctantly sober, the other reluctantly human — finding something that vaguely resembles connection. They sneak into parties. They get chased by a blue crab (yes, really). They wander aimlessly through the city like it's a sentient third character. It's sweet, it's offbeat, and it's got that patented Duplass “let's just roll and see what happens” energy.
The Vibes: Somewhere Between “Kinda Funny” and “Surprisingly Moving”
Let's get this out of the way: The Baltimorons is not for everyone.
If you want clean arcs, tight pacing, or characters who don't spend 15 minutes talking about dental insurance — look elsewhere.
But if you dig awkward silences, sudden bursts of sincerity, and that weird little feeling when two broken people accidentally help each other feel slightly less doomed? Yeah. This hits.
And yes, the humor is a bit… odd. At one point, someone earnestly compares pulling a molar to navigating grief. In another, Cliff tries to impress a group of teenagers with his “TV pilot idea.” No one is impressed.
Who's in This Thing?
- Michael Strassner as Cliff, the emotionally frazzled comedian who might be part golden retriever.
- Liz Larsen as Didi, the dentist who's seen it all and isn't sure she likes what she sees.
- Olivia Luccardi shows up in a side role that adds texture.
- And yes, that's Rob Phoenix doing real improv in a funeral home.
What Sets It Apart?
Honestly? The weirdness. The sweetness. The fact that it feels like someone made this with just enough money, way too many ideas, and one very clear directive: don't fake it.
There's a lived-in sadness here that doesn't scream indie try-hard. It's subtle. Maybe even accidental. Which is why it works. You don't walk out thinking “that was perfect.”
You walk out thinking, “Man… I hope Cliff and Didi are okay.”
Also — let's talk about that poster (see above). It's got the Baltimore bridge, a snow-dusted dock, and two people dressed like they robbed a Salvation Army. It's goofy. It's cozy. It tells you exactly what this is.
Release Date & Where to See It
IFC Films is rolling The Baltimorons out in select U.S. theaters starting September 5th, 2025. Expect a limited release, probably some Q&A screenings in Brooklyn, and maybe a decent streaming run if the word-of-mouth holds up.
Final Thought
Is it brilliant? No.
But it's honest. And that might be better.
Because in a world full of polished streaming pap and AI-generated drivel (yeah, I said it), a low-budget, emotionally clumsy, unexpectedly tender road trip through Baltimore feels like something worth showing up for.
Now go crack a tooth and call someone who gives a damn.
