In Search of a Midnight Kiss

Film Review by Kam Williams



Headline: Lonely Hearts Rendezvous on New Year’s Eve in Offbeat Romantic Comedy



It’s December 31st, and Wilson (Scoot McNairy) is about to finish the worst year of his life. Since moving to L.A. recently, the struggling screenwriter hasn’t been able to sell any of his comedy scripts, plus, he’s been dumped by his girlfriend, Karen (Via Osgood). As a result, he’s lonely and practically broke with no plans for the night.

In the middle of the day, the miserable 29 year-old sits in front of his computer soaking his woes in beer and weed while pleasuring himself by looking at naked pictures of his roommate’s (Brian Maguire) cute girlfriend, Min (Kathleen Luong). Then, when the couple comes home unexpectedly and catches him in the act, she is flattered, but Jacob is infuriated.

The latter insists that Wilson ought to find his own woman, and suggests that it’s not even too late to find some companionship for New Year’s Eve. So, he places a personal ad on Craig’s List online, and soon sets up a 4 PM rendezvous with Vivian (Sara Simmonds), an inscrutable temptress who inaccurately describes herself as a 300 lb. dominatrix.

When they meet at a restaurant, it’s lust at first sight for Wilson, since she looks a whole lot better than billed. Still, because he’s only one of a number of strangers she’s invited there for a speed date, he has to wait for her to finish auditioning his competition.

And even after she settles on Wilson, it’s not exactly smooth sailing, as this girl has a lot of skeletons in her closet. First, the attractive weirdo announces that she’s only 17, then insists that they pray together, before then informing him that, “This isn’t get laid for free night.” Although it’s obvious Wilson won’t be by himself this New Year’s Eve, as you might guess, their ensuing date turns out to be anything but predictable.

So unfolds In Search of a Midnight Kiss, an offbeat romantic comedy written and directed by Alex Holdridge. Shot entirely in black and white, this endearing, low budget indie offers as compelling a combination of character development, credible dialogue and surprising plot twists as you’re likely to encounter between now and New Year’s Eve.

A sobering cinematic treat which puts a whole new spin on Auld Lang Syne!



Excellent (4 stars)

Unrated

Running time: 98 minutes

Studio: IFC Films



To see a trailer for In Search of a Midnight Kiss, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPQ-QGtegUI