Our Hero, Balthazar — Review

Movies that set out to deliver satirical social critique often feel like they are trying too hard to be provocative. Their humor seems aimed more at stirring controversy or provoking a strong reaction from the audience than at actually making them laugh. Oscar Boyson’s Our Hero, Balthazar, however, is a rare film that strikes the right balance. It tackles themes of gun violence, performative activism, social media, incel culture, privilege, and toxic masculinity. It is a dark and daring film, but it never forgets to be funny, and its edginess feels genuine rather than forced. Most of the film’s humor is the kind that leaves audiences in limbo, unsure whether to laugh, cringe, or stare in disbelief that someone actually put these ideas on screen and somehow made them work.