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The Art of Self-Defense
2019 104 min United States of America R 16+
★6.9
Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Director: Riley Stearns
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
Casey is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman fighting for her place in it.
Budget:
$1.8M
US Gross:
$2.41M
Worldwide:
$2.4M
Starring
Jesse Eisenberg
Actor
Alessandro Nivola
Actor
Imogen Poots
Actor
Awards
5 nominations total
Key opinion
The Art of Self-Defense is a darkly comedic, genre-bending satire that uses an absurd, deadpan style to critique toxic masculinity and corporate culture. While it resonates strongly with cinephiles who appreciate its surreal tone, its abrupt shifts in tone and unconventional humor may alienate audiences looking for a more traditional or consistent narrative.
| Acting | Jesse Eisenberg’s performance perfectly anchors the film by leaning into his trademark awkwardness to portray a timid clerk's psychological transformation. | |
| Production | The production design uses a deliberate, surreal aesthetic characterized by striking color palettes and specific recurring motifs like yellow belts to emphasize the absurdity of the karate dojo. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay offers a sharp, satirical critique of gender pressures and the performative nature of traditional masculinity through a distinct, deadpan writing style. | |
| Originality | The film blends thriller, comedy, and drama elements, which creates a uniquely original experience for some but leads to a disjointed and fragmented structure for others. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is highly divisive, with some finding the contemplative, surreal tempo refreshing while others view the irregular dynamic as uneven and slow. |