‘The Baltimorons’ Review – Quirky, Yet Charming Meet-Cute Is A Future Christmas Classic

Every so often, a film comes along that is like the perfect Christmas present. You have no idea what is inside the box. It is tastefully wrapped and adorned with love. Expectations are what they are with a mystery, a gift, but only after you unwrap the paper and discover what’s inside, do you realize this may not have been what you thought you wanted, but it is what you needed. That long-winded metaphor is The Baltimorons. A sweet and cozy coming-of-age and semi-love story that is as much about finding yourself as it is about finding your other half. Charming and unexpectedly funny, this has the makings of a new favorite to add to the Yuletide holiday collection.

After breaking his tooth on the way into his fiancée’s house, Cliff (Michael Strassner) makes an emergency trip to the dentist. Christmas Eve for Cliff is proving to be a case of biting off more than he can chew. He drives himself into the city to see Didi (Liz Larsen), the only dentist taking emergency calls on the holiday. What begins as a routine check-up sparks an unpredictable evening of misadventures. After his car is towed, Didi proves to be a second life-saver, and the two end up spending the day and evening together, attempting to avoid being shut out from their families, while also striking up a tender connection. 

The unsuspecting courtship and budding relationship between Didi and Cliff is the real surprise of this film. Cliff, a former stand-up comic, and Didi, a workaholic dentist, are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Yet, their connection is genuine, and it begins in simple, quirky measures. After his appointment, Didi takes a call from her daughter and learns she is attending her father’s Christmas party to celebrate his new marriage. Cliff plays it cool, but decides to show Didi a day of adventure and misadventure across the city of Baltimore. 

It culminates in two significant events. First, Didi summons the courage to attend her ex’s Christmas party, and Cliff steals the show. Easing the tension and making her feel at ease with herself and her family, there is evidence here that this budding friendship might be more than just friendship. Next, the two rendezvous for a stand-up improv show. There is a backstory with Cliff, who has been sober for six months, and is now being sought out by his old friend to return to the stage. Didi proves instrumental in encouraging him to take a leap of faith, something that contradicts his fiancée’s resistance to his comedy prospects.

As a result of Didi’s encouragement, Cliff revitalizes his old comedy skit, appropriately named “The Baltimorons”. And of course, he knocks ’em dead — but he also strikes up more than a friendly connection with Didi. His emergency dentist and Baltimore companion prove to be the Christmas gift he never expected. 

Cliff and Didi’s night is one of laughter and discovery. There is an inherent feeling that these are two lost souls, seemingly looking for direction and a newfound purpose. Here is where both Strassner and Larsen shine. Their chemistry is instant and bubbly. We cannot help but root for these two to get together. Even with the difference in their ages, both of them seem like old souls who have found their missing half. It is a charming, would-be love story that is more than simple passion, but an instantaneous and genuine connection.

Larsen is a firecracker personality, yet she is a woman who knows what she wants and is not one to play games. Strassner evokes an everyman charm and swagger, and it pairs perfectly with Larsen. They create a dynamic pair that not only effuses love but also hope for all the hopeless romantics. 

Strassner co-wrote the script with director Jay Duplass, and this script is a well-decked Christmas tree—a perfect balance of humor and tender moments. Sharp and funny, it wastes no time and focuses on the story of Cliff and Didi.

The Baltimorons evokes a recent celebrated new-holiday classic, The Holdovers. While I would compare the two, or even put them on the same platform, they share a similarity that goes beyond the Christmas setting as a backdrop. It is the universal desire for connection and acceptance. In fact, these two films make a lovely pairing this holiday season. The earnest nature and the deadpan humor make it instantly memorable, capped together by two warm and bubbly performances. 

Even when the film tackles some stronger themes, it manages to do so with both sincerity and wit. Strassler is a bona fide master when it comes to his timing and warmth. The movie left me feeling a mix of hope and coziness throughout. The Baltimorons is more than a quirky comedy and meet-cute story. It is one about connection and longing, at the most wonderful time of the year. It is the inclusion of a jazz Christmas score that enhances this feeling of wonder and wonderment. Still, whatever it may be, this film dazzled me and left me proclaiming it is a wonderful life made all the better by the warmth of family and the connections we make along the way.

The Baltimorons is currently playing in select NY theaters courtesy of the Independent Film Company. The film will continue to expand in the coming weeks.