The Baltimorons, directed and co-written by Jay Duplass, is a small but deeply touching film. It follows Cliff (played by Michael Strassner), a newly sober man who ends up spending Christmas Eve with his dentist Didi (played by Liz Larsen) after a dental emergency brings them together. What sounds like a quirky setup becomes a beautiful story about loneliness, healing and finding unexpected warmth.
Jay Duplass’s direction and writing gives the movie a real human touch. Every scene feels intimate and alive, balancing quiet humor with emotional honesty.
The performances are the heart of the film. Michael Strassner brings a mix of humor and sadness that makes Cliff feel incredibly real, while Liz Larsen gives Didi a warmth and maturity that grounds the story.
The film has been highly praised across major outlets, with a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83 score on Metacritic. The film mixes sweetness and melancholy without losing its humor. It’s a story about broken people who somehow make each other whole again.
The Baltimorons might seem modest, but it’s full of heart. It’s funny, sad and filled with Christmas soul, the lights, the quiet city streets, the feeling of wanting to belong. Jay Duplass has made something tender and honest, a film about lost souls who meet by accident and remind each other how to live again.