SXSW Review: Jay Duplass’ The Baltimorons is a Genuine Nostalgic Return to the Peak of Mumblecore

      A return to form for Jay Duplass, who is also making his solo-directing debut, The Baltimorons is a delightful nod to the low-budget indie films he created with his brother Mark. The film, written by and starring burly stand-up comedian Michael Strassner, takes place in Baltimore and chronicles the misadventures of an unlikely romantic pair: Strassner’s character, Cliff, a stand-up comedian six months sober, and his older workaholic dentist Didi (played by Liz Larsen). While bantering with his fiancée Brittany (Olivia Luccardi), Cliff accidentally chips a tooth, prompting a frantic search for a dentist willing to see him on Christmas Eve. Didi is the sole responder to his call, agreeing to meet him at her vacant office for the procedure.

      Cliff is portrayed as a lovable teddy bear who strives to please, even as he often crosses the line into offending others. He’s genuinely inquisitive, frequently living life to gather new material for his stand-up routine. Similar to some filmmakers who seem to collect experiences for their work rather than simply enjoying life, Cliff often seems to be testing boundaries. In this situation, he may be engaging in a long game of “yes and” improv. The Baltimorons follows a comparable structure, heightening both the embarrassment and sincerity of the narrative.

      While gathering new material isn’t inherently negative, it complicates matters since Cliff has promised fiancée Brittany that he would refrain from stand-up comedy and drinking. Nevertheless, post-surgery presents ample material when his car gets towed, and Didi offers him a ride. Delaying his family dinner, Cliff sees it as a sign when Brittany gives him the green light to grab a bite to eat alone once it gets late. He and Didi end up spending the day and night together in search of a restaurant with available seating in a bustling area.

      The film itself doesn’t overstay its welcome, fostering sympathy for its lead character while effectively using the winter backdrop of Baltimore to depict characters who are down on their luck but ultimately find joy in each other’s company. Didi, recently divorced and a new grandmother, doesn’t want to waste her time but is nevertheless anxious about the thought of being alone over the holidays and becoming irrelevant to her daughter. When she brings Cliff to an impromptu holiday gathering, he excels at improvisation in front of her ex-husband, the crabber Conway (Brian Mendes), and his more emotionally available new wife Patty (Mary Catherine Garrison). Despite the evident discomfort of being in the same space with estranged family members, it’s clear to everyone how well-suited Cliff and Didi are as a couple.

      Much like The Puffy Chair and Cyrus, The Baltimorons is a charming and heartfelt return to the mumblecore era, as well as a nod to the impactful, gritty character examinations of the 1970s. Even with his shortcomings, Cliff is ultimately a caring man who strives to do right by both Brittany and Didi, sometimes trying too hard to achieve perfection. Inspired by Strassner’s own experiences, The Baltimorons embraces awkwardness in a beautifully harmonious way. Although the film adopts a low-budget, drab-naturalistic style, it is anything but tedious. Duplass, Strassner, and Larsen effectively craft one of the year's standout romantic comedies.

      The Baltimorons had its premiere at SXSW 2025.