The Art of Self-Defense

The comedy is so dark that it may be blinding to some. At least there is no way to dismiss the film as being just another formulaic attempt at entertainment. If nothing else, it is one of the most unique films of the year.

The Art of Self-Defense is a razor-sharp parable about radicalization, masculinity and misogyny that avoids pompous, self-aggrandizing soapboxing in favour of empathy, humanity and compassion. All that, plus bonus dachshund.

Eisenberg is sensational.

Bold but inconsistent, outrageous but not all that shocking, The Art of Self Defense never reaches its full potential, but lands more than enough punches to warrant our attention.

It's tempting to imagine that writer-director Riley Stearns caught a screening of the supremely feel-good The Karate Kid and thought, "Yeah, I can make the opposite of that."

If offbeat is the goal, Stearns earns his black belt.

Smart and informative, yet also brutal and haunting, while still maintaining a sense of fun, it’s masterfully crafted and confidently staunch in its beliefs.

It won’t be for everyone but this film is a heck of a ride and leaves you with a fun gut punch for an ending.

If you like your humor dark, dry and laced with biting social commentary, The Art of Self-Defense lands its blows with black-belt precision.

The Art of Self-Defense is one of the very best dark comedies of the decade, if not the most relevant.