Director Macon Blair returns with “Idiots,” a crime comedy road movie that blends elements of kidnapping and dark humor. The film, rated R for strong language, violence, drug use, and sexuality, runs for 1 hour and 38 minutes and is currently in theaters.

“Idiots” follows Davis, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Mark, portrayed by Dave Franco, an unlikely duo hired by a transportation service to escort Sheridan, a rebellious social media influencer played by Mason Thames, to a juvenile detention center. Sheridan’s character is described as sociopathic, adding tension to the dynamic between the three.

The narrative quickly escalates into a chaotic series of events involving Russian strippers, psychedelic drug experiences, and encounters with a gun-wielding SoundCloud rapper, played by Nicholas Braun. Blair’s approach leans heavily into absurdity and crude humor, aiming for laughs through awkward and often shocking situations. The film also features performances by Peter Dinklage and Kiernan Shipka in supporting roles.

Critics note that “Idiots” draws clear inspiration from the work of the Coen brothers, specifically films like “Burn After Reading” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” However, it lacks the subtlety and originality often associated with those earlier works, opting instead for more explicit and broad comedic elements.

Blair’s directorial style has been likened to a mix of irreverence and misanthropy, though in this outing, the humor occasionally ventures into territory that some may find uncomfortable or overly crass. “Idiots” represents a deliberate choice to prioritize shock and silliness over narrative coherence or character development.