A consistently surprising romantic drama which beautifully conveys the bittersweet qualities of contemporary dating.
In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2008)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:57
Fresh:48
Rotten:9
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: Funny, quirky, and bittersweet, In Search of a Midnight Kiss is a romantic comedy with a heart and a brain -- and stands as a sharp debut for director Alex Holdridge.
Theatrical Release:Aug 1, 2008 Limited
Synopsis: If Woody Allen had been in his 20s in Los Angeles in the new millennium, he might have made IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. This ode to technology-fueled romance and indie filmmaking features some of... If Woody Allen had been in his 20s in Los Angeles in the new millennium, he might have made IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. This ode to technology-fueled romance and indie filmmaking features some of the hallmarks of Allen's early career: a neurotic and lonely "hero," an unhinged but nevertheless attractive love interest, witty dialogue, and black-and-white cinematography. As New Year's Eve approaches, Wilson (Scoot McNairy) is close to age 30 and far from where he wants to be in life. And if it weren't for the efforts of his roommate Jacob (Brian McGuire), he might be content to spend the holiday alone on his couch. But with some prompting, Wilson posts a personal ad on the online site Craig's List, which leads him to a date with Vivian (Sara Simmonds). The seemingly mismatched pair wanders the streets of Los Angeles as midnight--and the possibility of a kiss--approaches. Fans of earnest indie romances such as BEFORE SUNRISE and ONCE will find it hard not to fall in love with IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. There's an honesty here that is immediately appealing, and it's easy to identify with the film's mix of romantic cynicism and hope. Director Alex Holdridge (SEXLESS) has created a film that lacks the sheen and shimmer of Hollywood romantic comedies, and the audience is the lucky beneficiary of this heartfelt gift. [More]
Starring: Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds, Brian McGuire, Katy Luong
Starring: Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds, Brian McGuire, Katy Luong, Bret Roberts, Twink Caplan, Robert Murphy, Nic Harcourt
Director: Alex Holdridge
Director: Alex Holdridge
Screenwriter: Alex Holdridge
Producer: Seth Caplan, Scoot McNairy
Studio: IFC First Take
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Reviews for In Search of a Midnight Kiss
Holdridge shows talent, as do his leads, but along with money for popcorn, bring patience.
She’s all long blond hair and cigarettes; he’s scruffy and affable. But they’re no Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy; the dynamic between the pair is often flat.
In Search of a Midnight Kiss overcomes patches of overwriting to end up as a film well worth watching, and Mr. Holdridge as a writer-director to be remembered for future reference.
To praise the beauty of this film is not enough; what lends it tension is that it’s wrapped around people for whom beauty is at best an anachronism and at worst an embarrassing joke.
While blockbusters ooze testosterone and claim bragging rights to macho action heroes beating their hairy chests, way in the background is a lineup of sweet little indies like this one, with sensitive guys wearing their hearts on their sleeves instead.
A reasonably humorous and even tender portrait of 21st century dating by a filmmaker who seems a Woody Allen/Judd Apatow wannabe.
Though disaffect is certainly a recurrent mood, Search is a strangely heartfelt little film�a lot like Swingers but with a more cynical edge.
Lovingly photographed in a monochrome that recalls Woody Allen’s Manhattan, this is a slickly scripted rom-com.
Obviously heavily influenced by the likes of Swingers and Before Sunrise, it nevertheless manages to find its own voice, combining sentiment with cynicism to create a very modern romantic comedy.
Beautifully shot, brilliantly written and superbly acted relationship drama that single-handedly restores your faith in indie movies.
A terrific example of how no-budget filmmaking often produces the most effective romantic dramas. And this film has humour and charm to spare.
One of those raunchy-funny, smart and bittersweet no-budget movies that restores your faith in indie film.
It’s a highly emotional journey and it’s really stayed with me nearly 24 hours after I’ve seen it.
A very funny, talky and kvetchy film about loneliness and connections, mixing romance with frank sex talk and building into poignancy.
Midnight Kiss is one of those movies that gradually charms the viewer into strong identification with initially off-putting characters.
Latest News for In Search of a Midnight Kiss
August 11, 2008:
Lonely hearts rendezvous on New Year's Eve in offbeat romantic comedy. ![]()
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August 01, 2008:
Alex Holdridge Is In Search of a Midnight Kiss ![]()
Just in time for the limited release of In Search of a Midnight Kiss, indieWIRE has posted its profile of director Alex Holdridge -- including a look at the strong similarities... More...
June 29, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
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June 12, 2008:
Crafting a Midnight Kiss - Behind-the-Scenes of a Lo-Fi Indie
It brought audiences to tears at Tribeca, kept them coming back at Edinburgh and warmed stone-cold critics' hearts at Raindance. In Search of a Midnight Kiss was described as... More...
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