‘The Baltimorons’ Premieres as Charming East Coast Rom-Com

The film "The Baltimorons," directed by Jay Duplass and starring Michael Strassner, is a 2025 holiday romantic comedy set in a gritty Baltimore backdrop, exploring themes of sobriety, failed ambitions, and personal redemption. The story unfolds on Christmas Eve and follows Cliff, a former comedian and recovering alcoholic, who injures his tooth and seeks emergency dental care from Didi, a gruff middle-aged dentist dealing with her own family disappointments. Their unlikely connection grows through a series of awkward and tender moments, including comedic dental work under nitrous oxide and a shared ride to retrieve Cliff's towed car, capturing a low-key, authentic love story. Critics highlight the film's departure from typical rom-com tropes, emphasizing its warm, unpretentious humanity and the portrayal of flawed, relatable characters rather than Hollywood ideals. Despite the potentially off-putting title "The Baltimorons," which references a local improv comedy bit, the film is praised as a charming, heartfelt ode to unique, imperfect individuals navigating life's challenges. Its evocative East Coast setting and 1970s low-fi romantic comedy spirit make it a likely Yuletide favorite for audiences seeking a genuine and unconventional holiday film.