The Worst Person in the World
Director: Joachim Trier
Actors: Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Herbert Nordrum
PlotJulie, a young woman in Oslo, is struggling with the uncertainty and instability of early adulthood. As she drifts through various career paths, starting off in medicine and dabbling in photography, she wrestles with her identity and ambitions. Her love life is equally complex, which leads her to break up with her steady boyfriend, understanding that he doesn’t fit into the future she hazily envisions. Julie meets Aksel, an older and successful graphic novelist, with whom she falls deeply in love. Although they share a deep connection, disagreements arise about having children, highlighting their differing visions for the future. Julie constantly questions her choices, not entirely sure of her desires or who she truly wants to become.
Amidst her turmoil, Julie encounters Eivind, a laid-back barista, sparking an intense attraction that contrasts sharply with her relationship with Aksel. This chance meeting sends her on an introspective journey as she navigates the complexities of new love with Eivind and the unresolved emotions toward Aksel. Through a series of emotional highs and lows, including a tryst that tempts betrayal and love that questions fidelity, she faces larger existential questions about commitment, ambition, and identity. As simple acts blend into significant life decisions, Julie must reconcile her fantasies with reality, ultimately reflecting on purpose, authenticity, and the fleeting nature of time. The film thoughtfully captures her internal struggles, painting a raw portrait of modern identity and relationships.
Writers: Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier
Release Date: 13 Oct 2021
Runtime: 128 min
Rating: R
Country: Norway, France, Sweden, Denmark
Language: Norwegian
Home Video Reviews
Criterion's Blu-ray of 'The Worst Person in the World' offers an engaging introspection on freedom and self-discovery, supported by a solid 2K master.
Read our review of The Worst Person in the World Blu-ray Verdens verste menneske to find out more