A Review of ‘Our Hero, Balthazar’: Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield Tackle the Dark Side of the Internet in a Unique Teen Story

Oscar Boyson’s Debut Film ‘Our Hero’ Explores Dark Themes of Isolation and Violence

In Oscar Boyson’s feature film debut, Our Hero, unsettling themes of online loneliness, gun culture, and the quest for visibility intertwine, creating a film that may be difficult for some viewers to digest. The film’s title is intentionally ironic, as the protagonist does not embody the classic notion of a hero, underscoring the film’s deeper commentary.

Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, Our Hero delves into the darker implications of social media and the phenomenon of superficial empathy. The story follows Balthazar, portrayed by Jaeden Martell, an affluent teen from New York City who indulges in expressing empty sympathies for victims of gun violence while experiencing the comforts of his luxurious lifestyle. His unsettling behavior coincides with the reality of active shooter drills at his elite school and an obsessive online relationship with a figure who boasts plans to commit a school shooting.

In an effort to impress a socially conscious classmate, Eleanor (played by Pippa Knowles), and yearning for attention he lacks from his self-absorbed mother (Jennifer Ehle), Balthazar impulsively connects with Solomon Jackson, a troubled incel portrayed by Asa Butterfield. Living in a Texas trailer park with his grandmother (Becky Ann Baker), Solomon is a solitary figure battling personal and familial failures and struggling with his access to firearms.

Boyson, a protégé of the Safdie brothers, skillfully blends black comedy with pressing real-world consequences. The film raises crucial questions about the sincerity of Balthazar’s intentions to prevent violence and the performative bravado displayed by Solomon. This unlikely alliance between two misfit teens demonstrates their desperate need for recognition, even as their realities clash.

The poignant performances by Martell, who also serves as a producer, and a transformative Butterfield captivate the audience, compelling them to engage with the tumultuous narrative. Martell’s interpretation of Balthazar reveals a complex character who oscillates between a need for attention and potential sociopathic tendencies. Meanwhile, Butterfield’s portrayal of Solomon marks a significant shift in his acting career, capturing the essence of a deeply troubled individual.

Our Hero ultimately reflects on a generation increasingly tethered to their screens, grappling with the harsh realities of mental health and societal expectations.

Details:

• Title: Our Hero
• Distributor: Picturehouse & WG Pictures
• Release Date: March 27, 2026 (New York Limited); April 3, 2026 (Los Angeles and other cities)
• Director: Oscar Boyson
• Screenwriters: Ricky Camilleri and Oscar Boyson
• Cast: Jaeden Martell, Asa Butterfield, Chris Bauer, Jennifer Ehle, Anna Baryshnikov, Noah Centineo, Becky Ann Baker, Avan Jogia, Pippa Knowles
• Rating: R
• Running Time: 1 hr 36 min