THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE (2019)

Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots

Directed by Riley Stearns

Written by Riley Stearns

Distributed by Bleecker Street. 104 minutes. Opens 7/12 at ArcLight Hollywood.

In 2014, writer/director Riley Stearns’ feature film debut, Faults, premiered at the SXSW film festival. The story of a cult intervention gone wrong, audiences gravitated towards the conceptually innovative film for its dry humor set upon serious subject matter. In his sophomore feature, The Art of Self-Defense (in theaters Friday), Stearns once again proves he’s a talent to watch, bringing a unique voice to the black comedy genre with his universally appealing comedy.

The Art of Self Defense, which also premiered at this year’s SXSW, is a darkly quirky film (think Napoleon Dynamite meets The Lobster). After a random attack leaves buttoned-up introvert Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) bruised both physically and mentally, he’s left to examine his sad, victimized life he lives with his equally fragile dachshund. Deciding to empower himself through self-protection, Casey forgoes purchasing a firearm (in a hilariously awkward scene) and instead enlists in a local karate class under the leadership of the confident (if slightly delusional) Sensei (Alessandro Nivola). 

From here, the film further examines (again, in comically deadpan fashion) the concepts of masculinity: Casey learns from Sensei that to be tough – to be “a man” – one must listen to heavy metal, own large dogs, and, essentially, be a jerk. Despite rising up the ranks through harsh training from both Sensei and Anna (Imogen Poots), the dojo’s most qualified student, the still emotionally-sensitive Casey questions whether he’s able to transform himself in this newly adopted lifestyle. 

A smaller film with modest ambitions, The Art of Self-Defense is one of the funniest films I’ve seen this year. Eisenberg as Casey plays a version of his recognizably neurotic movie self, but adds many more intriguing layers here. As Sensei, Alessandro Nivola is unforgettable and wonderfully wacky in this supporting role. 

Impressive stunts, exacted cinematography, and a fun visual style all combine like a skilled karate combo to create a fun balance between comedy and suspense. An entertainingly off-kilter look at toxic masculinity in today’s world, The Art of Self-Defense is a striking knockout that should be sought out this summer movie season.