SYNOPSIS
A dark comedy set in the world of karate. The film centers on Casey (Jesse Eisenberg), who is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman (Imogen Poots) fighting for her place in it. Casey undertakes a journey, both frightening and darkly funny, that will place him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.
CAST
Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots
REVIEW: B
The Art of Self-Defense is a dark and humorous f-you to toxic masculinity. It’s a movie that won’t resonate with every viewer and the comedy might be too dry for mainstream audiences. For those who love dark comedy and are open to the concept of kicking American macho, dude-bros in the balls for laughs, director Riley Stearns is your new sensi and Jesse Eisenberg delivers a roundhouse kick victory.