Here’s your early Xmas present: an endearing indie comedy with a 90s vibe, this is the best rom-com of the year. Newcomer Michael Strassner (who also wrote the screenplay) plays Chris, a genial but somewhat aimless stand up comedian whose career has stalled. It’s the afternoon of December 24 and a dental emergency throws off his plans. Divorced dentist Didi (Liz Larson) agrees to fix him up, but then finds there’s no getting rid of him — especially when he realizes his car has been towed.
Director Jay Duplass lovingly grounds the movie in blue collar Baltimore (hence the unfortunate title) and is rewarded with two charming, funny, truthful performances from the un-star like Strassner and Larson. You will be rooting for them.
The feel-good movie of 2025 has arrived.
Kristy Pushko, Mashable
It’s an incredibly funny, genuinely moving character study that’s not explicitly “about” anything but these two lovely people.
Brian Tallerico, rogerebert.com
One of the year’s best comedies, and in its own way, a new Christmas classic.
Matthew Jackson, AV Club
Jay Duplass
Michael Strassner, Liz Larson, Olivia Luccardi, Chris Strassner
USA
2025
English
Book Tickets
Monday December 08
Tuesday December 09
Wednesday December 10
Thursday December 11
Sunday December 14
Wednesday December 24
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Credits
Executive Producer
Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Mark Duplass, Shuli Harel
Producer
David Bonnett Jr., Michael Strassner, Drew Langer
Screenwriter
Jay Duplass, Michael Strassner
Cinematography
Jon Bregel
Editor
Jay Deuby
Original Music
Jordan Seigel
Production Design
Jack Bell
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Image: © The New York Times
The Baltimorons
An early Xmas present and the rom-com of the year: a dental emergency on Christmas Eve brings together flailing comedian Chris and cynical divorcee Didi for a series of low-key urban misadventures.
