Fans of Todd Solondz’ uniquely dark vision of American culture (Welcome to the Dollhouse, Happiness) will be delighted to know that he is back on track after the slightly disappointing Life During Wartime. Dark Horse is cringe inducing and side-splittingly funny in equal measure. It’s wonderful to see that after more than 20 years in the film industry, this is one director who is never going to compromise or soften his approach.

Jordan Gelber is Abe, a schlubby thirtysomething loser who still lives with his parents (an almost unrecognisable Christopher Walken and Mia Farrow), half-heartedly works in his father's office and spends all his time buying Thundercats toys on eBay. Perversely, however, Abe is not without confidence and when he meets the depressed Miranda (Selma Blair) – who has also just moved back in with her parents – he thinks he's found a kindred spirit and proposes on their first date. The path of true love is never smooth and before long, Abe is having trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality in his everyday life.

Gelber, a well known character actor from American television, is a revelation here and Blair (who seems to be becoming Solondz’ new muse) is perfect as the deadpan, one-note Miranda. Quirky and extraordinarily dark, this film won’t appeal to everyone, but those of you who feel out of step with contemporary society will get a kick out of Dark Horse.