Jay Duplass has stepped into solo territory with The Baltimorons, his first original feature in 14 years — and the first without brother Mark as co-director. The low-budget comedy, set in wintry Maryland, follows a newly sober improv comedian (Michael Strassner) whose cracked tooth on Christmas Eve sparks an unexpected night with his dentist (Liz Larsen). The film won the SXSW Audience Award and will see theatrical release via IFC Films and Sapan Studio.
The idea took shape during a post-pandemic creative rut. Duplass, reflecting on stalled momentum and a shifting film landscape, returned to his indie roots. Inspired by Strassner’s Instagram videos, he felt an urgent pull to make something immediate and authentic. "Make this movie, make it now," he told himself — ignoring the doubts about the state of indie cinema.
Though no longer co-directing, Jay and Mark remain partners in Duplass Brothers Productions. Their "conscious uncoupling," as Jay calls it, was a thoughtful transition. "It took a really long time," he noted, but it allowed space for individual growth.
At 52, Duplass says he’s focused on what’s right in front of him. "The dream project is the next project," he said. "There’s kind of like no saving for later." With The Baltimorons, that urgency seems to be paying off.
