The Darkest Universe

In this off-the-wall comedy drama from the directors of the Bafta-nominated Black Pond, strait-laced City banker Zac (played by co-writer/director Will Sharpe) searches for his eccentric sister when she and her new beau go missing on a narrowboat trip. His relentless pursuit, taking in some beautifully shot footage of Britain's waterways, brings him into contact with a ragbag assortment of misfits but even his website and vlogs fail to bring forth any clues, escalating Zac's sense of desperation. Despite the involvement of dependable British comic actors (Jonny Sweet, Inbetweeners stars Simon Bird and Joe Thomas), the humour rests awkwardly on an otherwise grim storyline that seemingly holds little prospect of hope. The film-makers also have a tendency to hit viewers over the head with the unsubtle signposts of Zac learning as much about himself as his wayward sibling. However, Sharpe's curiously detached portrayal is deceptively full of depth, suggesting his strengths may lie in acting, rather than writing or direction.