Dark Horse

Abe and Miranda are solitary thirtysomethings who chance to meet at a wedding. Lacking partners or friends, both still live at home with their parents. Pudgy Abe is unable to leave childhood behind and begin taking care of himself. On the contrary, he still passionately collects action figures, and he seems incapable of performing the trifling job he was assigned at his father’s firm. On their very first date together Abe asks Miranda for her hand. She soon enough agrees, but in contrast to Abe’s naïve feelings of love, her assent is more likely the result of desperation. And not surprisingly their relationship soon hits a few bumps. Todd Solondz returns with an adroit drama that blends unforced humor with sorrow. Its melancholy atmosphere corresponds to the real lives of ordinary outsiders who find it difficult to struggle along and achieve satisfaction in life. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)