Bleeker Street has delivered the trailer for the upcoming dark comedy, THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, and Imogen Poots. Written & Directed by Riley Stearns the pic tells the story of a meek, mild-mannered man named Casey who looks for a bit of help after being the victim of a violent attack with darkly comedic consequences. Produced  by Cody Ryder, Andrew Kortschak, Stephanie Whonsetler, Walter Kortschak and Executive Producers Andrew Karpen, Munika Lay, Kent Sanderson, David Zellner, Nathan Zellner, the film already has some great buzz. Let’s check this out.

SYNOPSIS: After he’s attacked on the street at night by a roving motorcycle gang, timid bookkeeper Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) joins a neighborhood karate studio to learn how to protect himself. Under the watchful eye of a charismatic instructor, Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), and hardcore brown belt Anna (Imogen Poots), Casey gains a newfound sense of confidence for the first time in his life. But when he attends Sensei’s mysterious night classes, he discovers a sinister world of fraternity, brutality and hyper-masculinity, presenting a journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor. Audacious and offbeat, The Art of Self-Defense is an original dark comedy that takes toxic masculinity to absurd extremes.

THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE | Official Trailer

Eisenberg has one note, but he continues to know how to play it. A befuddled, disenfranchised man lacking in self confidence aims to become a bad ass and this looks HILARIOUS! I must say that I am excited to see this movie with the comic timing that seems razor sharp. It also looks to feature some wonderful comic performances. Where do we sign up for this dojo?

July 12, 2019 Limited / July 19, 2019 Nationwide