Jesse Eisenberg learns The Art of Self-Defense in the trailer for new dark comedy

After he’s attacked on the street at night by a roving motorcycle gang, timid bookkeeper Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) joins a neighbourhood karate studio to learn how to protect himself. Under the watchful eye of a charismatic instructor, Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), and hardcore brown belt Anna (Imogen Poots), Casey gains a newfound sense of confidence for the first time in his life. But when he attends Sensei’s mysterious night classes, he discovers a sinister world of fraternity, brutality and hyper-masculinity, presenting a journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor. Audacious and offbeat, The Art of Self-Defense is an original dark comedy that takes toxic masculinity to absurd extremes.

Written & Directed by Riley Stearns, the film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, and Imogen Poots.

Bleecker Street has released the new trailer, which you can watch below.

In select US cinemas on July 12, and then nationwide on July 19, 2019.