In 2023, Alexander Payne redefined and reinvigorated the modern Christmas movie by taking us back to the 1970s with his Oscar-winning dramedy “The Holdovers.” With the humorous and poignant “The Baltimorons” (IFC), director and co-writer Jay Duplass (Josh from “Transparent”) does something very similar.
Six months after a failed suicide attempt, Cliff (co-writer Michael Strassner), a discredited sketch comedy and improv performer, is about to experience his first Christmas Eve in the glow of six months of sobriety. Cliff and his fiancée Brittany (Olivia Luccardi), head to her parents’ house, and he’s reminded that he promised not to take part in a pop-up comedy and risk his soberness. Distracted by a text while entering the house, he walks into a door jamb, knocking out a tooth (which he retrieves). Bleeding profusely, he lucks out by finding Didi, a dentist available on Christmas Eve, portrayed by the amazing Liz Larsen. She is like Edie Falco, Lisa Ann Walters, and Bette Midler rolled into one.
Didi is having her own Christmas calamity. Earlier in the day, her ex-husband Conway (Brian Mendes) got married to Patty (Mary Catherine Garrison of “Somebody Somewhere” fame). He is hosting an evening reception to which Conway and Didi’s daughter Shelby (Jessie Cohen), and granddaughter, Maddie (Zoe Strassner) have been invited, meaning Didi will be alone on Christmas Eve. Cliff overhears Didi’s phone conversation while still a little high on nitrous following his dental procedure and invites her to Brittany’s mom’s house. But here’s the catch: they never get there.
Through a series of humorous mishaps, including Cliff’s car getting towed, Cliff getting locked in the tow lot, Didi aiding him in his escape, Cliff trying to find a place to take Didi to dinner to thank her (the movie’s only missed opportunity would have been a scene in a Chinese restaurant surrounded by Jewish diners), an unplanned appearance at Conway and Patty’s party, an unexpectedly successful performance at the comedy gig (including a revival of Cliff’s famous “Baltimorons” bit) by Cliff and Didi, a ride on Conway’s crabbing boat, and Didi’s DUI arrest, “The Baltimorons” becomes the unlikely love story of 2025.
Like his brother Mark’s exceptional 2021 movie “Language Lesson,” “The Baltimorons,” is Jay Duplass’ masterwork, a story featuring two characters who we care deeply about all the way through the end credits. Easily one of the best Baltimore-set movies, deserving of a place alongside the works of John Waters and Barry Levinson.
Rating: A-
