The Baxter

The Baxter has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on AMC+, and in the US on Philo. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Michael Showalter — stay for everyone else around them. Put it on tonight on AMC+ and see for yourself.

The Baxter arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. The jokes in The Baxter land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Mild mannered tax accountant Elliot Sherman is what he calls a "Baxter": the kind of calm, unexciting fellow who "wears sock garters" and "enjoys raking leaves." Loved by bosses and parents, Elliot is a perfectly nice guy. And that's his problem. The chemistry Michael Showalter and Elizabeth Banks bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. It was released in 2005. The timing in The Baxter is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, The Baxter is a strong candidate. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Michael Showalter is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.

The Baxter was released in 2005, directed by and starring Michael Showalter. The full 91-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.