The Baxter 2005
"A romantic comedy for anyone who's ever been dumped."
In *The Baxter (2005)*, Michael Showalter stars as Elliot Sherman, a painfully ordinary tax accountant who epitomizes the title role—a "Baxter" is someone so blandly inoffensive that even their romantic misfortunes feel like a personal betrayal.
Director: Michael Showalter
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Baxter (2005) about?
*The Baxter* follows Elliot Sherman, a meek tax accountant whose idea of a thrilling night is reorganizing his sock drawer. When his girlfriend dumps him for a more exciting man, Elliot's pursuit of love becomes a series of increasingly humiliating misadventures, all while he tries to prove he's more than just a human punchline.
Who directed The Baxter?
The Baxter was directed by Michael Showalter, a filmmaker and comedian known for his work in indie comedies and sketch humor.
Who stars in The Baxter?
The film stars Michael Showalter as Elliot Sherman, alongside Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux, and Zak Orth in key roles.
Is The Baxter (2005) worth watching?
If you love dry, character-driven romantic comedies with an indie sensibility, *The Baxter* is absolutely worth your time. While it may not have the polish of studio rom-coms, its sharp humor and relatable themes about dating and self-worth make it a hidden gem worth streaming or downloading. The cast's chemistry and Showalter's direction elevate it above typical rom-com fare.
How long is The Baxter?
The Baxter runs for 91 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Baxter (2005) — The awkwardly charming tale of a man who's just too nice for his own good
In *The Baxter (2005)*, Michael Showalter stars as Elliot Sherman, a painfully ordinary tax accountant who epitomizes the title role—a "Baxter" is someone so blandly inoffensive that even their romantic misfortunes feel like a personal betrayal. Directed with sharp observational humor by Michael Showalter, this indie romantic comedy explores the awkwardness of being the nice guy who can't catch a break, from awkward social rituals to the crushing weight of parental approval. With a cast including Elizabeth Banks as his ex and Justin Theroux as her new love interest, the film balances cringe-inducing moments with genuine warmth, painting a world where charm is a liability and relationships feel like tax audits. The atmosphere is a mix of 90s nostalgia and timeless awkwardness, making *The Baxter (2005)* a cult favorite for anyone who's ever fumbled their way through love.
Showalter's direction keeps the tone light but never mocking, framing Elliot's journey as a relatable cautionary tale about the perils of being too agreeable. The film's humor thrives on the minutiae of office life and suburban expectations, while its emotional core lingers on the quiet desperation of wanting to matter to someone—even when you're the human equivalent of beige carpeting. Whether you're a fan of quirky rom-coms or just love a good underdog story, *The Baxter (2005)* delivers with wit, heart, and a whole lot of awkward charm.