We Strangers

Audience Reviews

View More (2)

Robin C “The Baltimorons” Recovering alcoholic and former stand-up comic Cliff (Michael Strassner) has a fall and breaks a tooth - and it is Christmas Eve. He calls every dentist in town and they are all unavailable, except for Dr. Didi (Liz Larson), who agrees to treat him. But, things get more complicated than just a broken tooth in “The Baltimorons.” When I sat down and began watching director Jay Duplass’s latest opus, written with his star Strassner, I was turned off by the Cliff character. He is selfish and not aware of his selfishness on those around him. Fortunately, once the tooth is broken and Dr. Didi comes into the picture, the story turns into a thoughtful Christmas comedy about two lonely people thrust together on one of the most family-intensive holidays of the year. After Dr D does her job and temporarily fixes the broken tooth, they make a follow up appointment and part ways. Cliff’s car, though, has been towed and the doctor reluctantly offers him a ride. This is where the bonding begins and an odd June/September relationship buds into life. But, it is Christmas and Didi both have family problems. Cliff’s former drinking has tainted his relationship with his fiancée, Britanny (Olivia Luccardi), while Didi’s daughter is having a wedding celebration for Didi’s ex-husband and his new wife. Talk about two sad sacks. Cliff, though, as a former stand-up comic - he could only perform drunk and gave up the stage after he became sober – knows a lot of people and places. He tries to use his “influence” to get them into a bar or a restaurant. He is only a little successful but, for Didi and Cliff it is a brand new adventure with an unlikely brand new friend, making for a solid Christmas movie. Michael Strassner’s Cliff is annoying as heck when you meet him. He is a needy person and pushes himself on his new dentist. He has a good arc of character, though, and develops into a 3D person as the story plays out. The older Didi does not go through a similar transformation. Instead, we watch a fully formed adult suddenly realize that all the problems in her life were not all HER problems. The odd couple relationship we have here never rings false and there is real, funny comedy throughout and a believable friendship develops between Didi and Cliff. In the end, I wish a heartfelt “Merry Christmas” to them both. B Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/10/25 Full Review themanicexec this evocative film casts a mesmerizing spell as it deconstructs class hierarchies, social morality, and power struggles. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/06/25 Full Review Read all reviews

We Strangers

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now