It’s hard to think of a film that’s farther from the bloated mediocrity of The Incredible Hulk than In Search of a Midnight Kiss. It was crafted by the enterprising writer-director Alex Holdridge with little more than a micro-budget, a charismatic cast, some whip-smart dialogue and the unexpectedly photogenic backdrop of downtown LA in winter. The result is funny, filthy and brutally honest; a romcom that holds up an unforgiving mirror to the internet dating scene then surprises us all with its generous heart.

A penniless aspiring writer, Wilson (Scoot McNairy), is alone and depressed in LA on New Year’s Eve; Vivian (Sara Simmonds) is a chainsmoking neurotic with a neat line in savage putdowns. They meet through a personal ad; we follow them on their journey to midnight and, perhaps, that kiss. Shot in grainy black and white, the film has something of the scabrous humour and sweet nature of Clerks.

15, 99 minutes

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