So what happens when an edgelord and an Internet troll have a confrontation over gun violence? You get the dark comedy Our Hero, Balthazar, from Good Time and Uncut Gems exec-producer Oscar Boyson in his directorial debut.
Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield star in Our Hero, Balthazar, which looks like an abrasive, button-pushing satire that is sure to make some waves. Any time you’re approaching the issue of mass shootings, it’s going to be extremely touchy. Boyson looks to have emulated some of the propulsive qualities that the Safdie Bros. have mastered, too.
SYNOPSIS: “Our Hero, Balthazar” follows two neglected teens thrown together by a chance online encounter. Privileged yet lonely New Yorker Balthy (Jaeden Martell) Malone dreams of becoming a hero, while struggling Texan Solomon Jackson (Asa Butterfield) seeks recognition by posting violent threats. When Balthy, in an act of misguided heroism, travels to Texas in an attempt to befriend Solomon and avert a possible tragedy, he is drawn into a dangerous and thrilling new world. Despite their differences, both find refuge from their crushing loneliness in each other’s company, but for all Balthy’s good intentions, his decisions are driving them close to the precipice of disaster.
Boyson acts as director and co-writer alongside Ricky Camilleri. Also in the cast are Chris Bauer, Jennifer Ehle, Anna Baryshnikov, Noah Centineo, Becky Ann Baker, Avan Jogia, and Pippa Knowles.
Picturehouse and WG Pictures open Our Hero, Balthazar in New York on March 27th and in Los Angeles on April 3rd.
