'In Search of a Midnight Kiss', the third film from writer/director Alex Holdridge feels like a breath of fresh air in the romantic comedy genre. From the beginning, it becomes apparent that you've got something separate from the majority of modern movies in the genre, as Wilson (Scoot McNairy), a miserable 29-year old, plans to spend New Year's Eve alone and is caught masturbating to a Photoshopped picture of his best friend's girlfriend, by said friend Jacob (Brian McGuire). Consequently, Jacob browbeats Wilson into a posting a dating request on Craigslist and soon after, he ends up on a date with the brash and abrasive Vivian (Sara Simmonds), but remains skeptical as to whether this blind date will be successful.
There are numerous aspects of this film that make it quite singular – the black and white visuals that some have likened to 'Manhattan' or the sense of humour that Holdridge described as "perverted, dark and twisted". In my opinion though, one of the most individual things about the film is how its characters feel like real people. Much of this is down to the two highly impressive performances at the centre of it all; McNairy and Simmonds have fantastic chemistry together, holding conversations that feel entirely natural and add depth and nuance to their respective character. They anchor the drama, proving to be very likable despite their flaws and give the film its heart.
One of the best romantic comedies of recent years, 'In Search of Midnight Kiss' is bittersweet, genuinely funny and extremely charming, with excellent work from Holdridge, particularly the writing, which not only features a number of relatable characters and situations, but also excellently balances the comedic elements with the more serious.
There are numerous aspects of this film that make it quite singular – the black and white visuals that some have likened to 'Manhattan' or the sense of humour that Holdridge described as "perverted, dark and twisted". In my opinion though, one of the most individual things about the film is how its characters feel like real people. Much of this is down to the two highly impressive performances at the centre of it all; McNairy and Simmonds have fantastic chemistry together, holding conversations that feel entirely natural and add depth and nuance to their respective character. They anchor the drama, proving to be very likable despite their flaws and give the film its heart.
One of the best romantic comedies of recent years, 'In Search of Midnight Kiss' is bittersweet, genuinely funny and extremely charming, with excellent work from Holdridge, particularly the writing, which not only features a number of relatable characters and situations, but also excellently balances the comedic elements with the more serious.