In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2008) ***1/2
Oh there are so many of these movies on the Indie scene. So many about being lost and wallowing in pity, so many lovelorn 30-somethings. And to be frank, a lot of those kinds of indie movies are not very good. Some are outright terrible. But that doesn't stop people from making them. Why? Because those stories do ring true to many, many people. And that is why when those kinds of films get made with the quality of In Search of a Midnight Kiss they're quite lovable.
Shot in black and white on a small budget (in the end, around 25 thousand) in a matter of days, not weeks, this spunky little charmer has a level of spontaneity and sweetness that elevates what could have been a lackluster affair into a good picture.
The story is a modern one. Wilson has just moved to LA after being dumped by his girlfriend. On the way he's smashed his car, had his laptop stolen - on which he had a script he was planning to sell - and is out of work. He lives with his friend and his friend's girlfriend. The movie opens with perhaps one of most awkward scenes I've ever seen. When you see it, you'll know what I mean.
After being goaded by his roommates, he places an obviously reluctant add on Craig's List, as a misanthrope seeking likewise. It's New Year's Eve after all, and who wants to be alone when the clock strikes midnight. He gets a reply from a strange girl, Vivian. She's interviewing guys that afternoon for a date - she doesn't want to give up her night to be with a loser. Wilson is taken aback, but meets her. She's even more strange in person, and shockingly bold. Things go awkwardly, but good, and she gives him til 6pm to impress her. They walk and talk in downtown LA. LA in black and white seems like an entirely different place. It's a crumbling place, its majestic old theatres left unoccupied. Eventually they grow closer, then apart after she chides him to make a confession to her, then is horrified by his answer. But he's persistent, and eventually they'll end up navigating crazy ex-boyfriends, adulterous friends and the midnight traffic together.
This is a sweet little movie, filled with dialogue. It's sometimes trite, sometimes lovely, but always there. Movies like this live and die by their performances, and the leads are very nice here. Wilson is played by Scoot McNairy, who I imagine in real life is much like his character here. Sara Simmonds is quite beautiful in her strangeness. Her character is quite layered, and she gives a strong and winning performance.
In Search of a Midnight Kiss was written and directed by Alex Holdridge, who claims that the movie is more or less autobiographical. It's about the ways in which human connection can save us all, especially the heartbroken. When Wilson's ex calls and leaves him a message, he cries, but his night with Vivian comforts him and shows him that even if it ends up just being a fling love is still alive and reachable.
Oh there are so many of these movies on the Indie scene. So many about being lost and wallowing in pity, so many lovelorn 30-somethings. And to be frank, a lot of those kinds of indie movies are not very good. Some are outright terrible. But that doesn't stop people from making them. Why? Because those stories do ring true to many, many people. And that is why when those kinds of films get made with the quality of In Search of a Midnight Kiss they're quite lovable.
Shot in black and white on a small budget (in the end, around 25 thousand) in a matter of days, not weeks, this spunky little charmer has a level of spontaneity and sweetness that elevates what could have been a lackluster affair into a good picture.
The story is a modern one. Wilson has just moved to LA after being dumped by his girlfriend. On the way he's smashed his car, had his laptop stolen - on which he had a script he was planning to sell - and is out of work. He lives with his friend and his friend's girlfriend. The movie opens with perhaps one of most awkward scenes I've ever seen. When you see it, you'll know what I mean.
After being goaded by his roommates, he places an obviously reluctant add on Craig's List, as a misanthrope seeking likewise. It's New Year's Eve after all, and who wants to be alone when the clock strikes midnight. He gets a reply from a strange girl, Vivian. She's interviewing guys that afternoon for a date - she doesn't want to give up her night to be with a loser. Wilson is taken aback, but meets her. She's even more strange in person, and shockingly bold. Things go awkwardly, but good, and she gives him til 6pm to impress her. They walk and talk in downtown LA. LA in black and white seems like an entirely different place. It's a crumbling place, its majestic old theatres left unoccupied. Eventually they grow closer, then apart after she chides him to make a confession to her, then is horrified by his answer. But he's persistent, and eventually they'll end up navigating crazy ex-boyfriends, adulterous friends and the midnight traffic together.
This is a sweet little movie, filled with dialogue. It's sometimes trite, sometimes lovely, but always there. Movies like this live and die by their performances, and the leads are very nice here. Wilson is played by Scoot McNairy, who I imagine in real life is much like his character here. Sara Simmonds is quite beautiful in her strangeness. Her character is quite layered, and she gives a strong and winning performance.
In Search of a Midnight Kiss was written and directed by Alex Holdridge, who claims that the movie is more or less autobiographical. It's about the ways in which human connection can save us all, especially the heartbroken. When Wilson's ex calls and leaves him a message, he cries, but his night with Vivian comforts him and shows him that even if it ends up just being a fling love is still alive and reachable.