Opens Today: Jay Duplass Rings in a Holiday Heartwarmer with The Baltimorons
After a summer packed with superhero spectacles and billion-dollar franchises, Jay Duplass is offering something refreshingly different.
The Baltimorons, opening today at IFC Center, AMC Lincoln Square, and Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn, is a heartfelt Christmas romantic comedy that has already earned five audience awards on the film festival circuit.
Described by The Daily Beast as “the year’s most charming romantic comedy,” the film stars rising talents Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen in a story about chance encounters, unexpected twists, and the kind of connection you never see coming. With Los Angeles and national expansion set for September 12, this indie holiday gem is perfectly timed to capture audiences looking for genuine, character-driven storytelling.
For moviegoers craving a soulful romantic comedy, The Baltimorons delivers humor, heart, and a dose of holiday magic wrapped in the chilly streets of Baltimore.
A One-Night Adventure with Humor and Heart
The plot of The Baltimorons unfolds over the course of a single Christmas Eve. Cliff (Michael Strassner), a struggling stand-up comedian whose career is teetering on the edge, chips a tooth just hours before the holiday. Enter Didi (Liz Larsen), a sharp-tongued, no-nonsense dentist working the late-night shift.
What begins as a routine dental procedure quickly spirals into an unforgettable night. The duo navigates comic mishaps, surprising emotional turns, and a Baltimore backdrop that feels raw and lived-in. Their journey captures a universal truth about the holidays.
“The best gifts aren’t under the tree—they’re the ones you never saw coming.”
This core theme positions The Baltimorons as more than a holiday film. It’s a story about resilience and the unexpected bonds that form when life refuses to go according to plan.
Jay Duplass Returns to His Indie Roots
Jay Duplass, one half of the renowned Duplass Brothers, has spent the last decade producing acclaimed television and film projects. Yet this film marks his first solo directorial feature in more than ten years. In his director’s statement, Duplass explains how turning 50 reignited his drive to create something personal and intimate.
He recalls his early days making The Puffy Chair, a landmark in the mumblecore movement, and wanted to return to that spirit of scrappy, original filmmaking.
“I freaked out when I turned 50 in 2023, realizing I had not made a movie that was mine in over ten years,
and that if I didn’t do it soon, the dream of even just making original films was going to die.”
Jay Duplass
Duplass’s decision to keep the production small and contained was both practical and creative. By focusing on a two-hander story set over one night, he ensured the film would be feasible to shoot while still offering emotional depth.
Breakout Performances from Strassner and Larsen
Casting proved essential to the film’s charm. Duplass discovered Michael Strassner through his offbeat Instagram videos, which showcased his wild comedic energy. Impressed by his raw talent, Duplass mentored Strassner and later built the character of Cliff around him.
Liz Larsen, best known for her stage role in the Transparent musical, brings equal depth and nuance to Didi. Duplass became captivated by her performance and knew she could embody the complexity of a character juggling professional duty and personal struggle.
The result is a pairing that feels authentic and electric. Their chemistry anchors the film, giving audiences a reason to invest in their journey.
From Baltimore Streets to SXSW Glory
Filmed during a frigid Baltimore winter, the movie uses its setting as more than just a backdrop. The gritty streets and late-night diners give The Baltimorons a texture rarely seen in holiday films.
The film’s world premiere at SXSW was especially meaningful for Duplass.
“It couldn’t feel more heartwarming that I get to premiere The Baltimorons at SXSW,
exactly twenty years after my first feature film The Puffy Chair played in the same exact theater in 2005.”
Jay Duplass
The festival audience embraced the film, awarding it multiple honors and generating early buzz. Its warm reception set the stage for today’s limited release in New York City and its upcoming nationwide rollout.
The Baltimorons is Worth Seeing
Romantic comedies often lean on grand gestures and glossy settings. Duplass takes the opposite approach, focusing on small, human moments. A chipped tooth becomes the unlikely catalyst for transformation, while humor flows naturally from awkward circumstances.
For fans of character-driven indie films, The Baltimorons offers a refreshing alternative to formulaic studio fare. Its combination of wit, warmth, and lived-in realism makes it ideal for audiences in NYC, Los Angeles, and beyond.
Catch it today at IFC Center, AMC Lincoln Square, or Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn before it heads west on September 12.
A Holiday Gem for Indie Film Lovers
The Baltimorons proves that holiday movies don’t need tinsel-drenched spectacle to resonate. With heartfelt performances and Jay Duplass’s return to intimate storytelling, it’s a perfect watch for anyone seeking laughter, love, and a little hope this season. Don’t miss your chance to see this five-time audience award winner as it begins its nationwide journey.
