The Art of Self-Defense

After being attacked on the street, a timid accountant named Casey decides to take up karate. He enrolls in a dojo run by a mysterious and dangerous sensei, where he learns not only martial arts but also a hyper-masculine philosophy. As Casey progresses, he finds himself questioning the true nature of strength and the toxic masculinity that permeates the dojo's teachings.

The Art of Self-Defense was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its dark humor, unique premise, and Jesse Eisenberg's performance. However, some found the film's tone to be uneven and its exploration of themes to be occasionally heavy-handed.

• Praised for its satirical take on toxic masculinity and its dark comedic tone.
• Jesse Eisenberg's performance as the meek protagonist was a highlight for many critics.
• Some reviewers found the film's messaging to be muddled or its pacing inconsistent.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's satirical approach to masculinity and its dark humor, finding it thought-provoking and entertaining. Some viewers felt the plot became a bit too absurd or that the message could have been clearer.

The film's director, Riley Stearns, stated that he was inspired to write the script after watching an episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and contemplating the importance of kindness and empathy in a world that often rewards aggression.