Film Review - The Worst Person In The World (2021)

Julie (Renate Reinsve) has the world at her feet and has many things to experience as she starts to venture into adult life. However, life as an adult has its complications and although she feels that it may be a mistake, she finds herself falling for Aksel (Anders Danielsen Lie).

He’s much older than her and could be said to be from a different generation, but they make things work even though other people point out the obvious difference. Although, time passes and as life often goes, relationships change and Julie finds herself at a party where she meets Elvind (Herbert Nordrum). Although reluctant at first, this meeting makes Julie realise that it may be time to move on.

The Worst Person in The World is a Norwegian comedy drama directed by Joachim Trier and co-written by Eskil Vogt. Winner of best actress at the Cannes Film Festival, Renate Reinsve holds the screen and becomes an almost Annie Hall like figure who seems the perfect protagonist for a light, romantic comedy.

Playing out in the way that audiences may expect and perhaps lulling them into a false sense of security, The Worst Person in The World guides its audience down a road filled with love, lust and conflicting emotions.

However, this is where the film takes a different turn and the sum of its parts make for a greater tale. The Worst Person in The World relates to every person who may be around Julie’s age and speaks of her generation as well as the pressures of what the latter generation may put have upon her.

Existing in a time in her life where she may not really know what she wants, The Worst Person in The World gives its audience that feeling of doing everything that you think you should be doing, but not really knowing what’s right. This may start out as something light and breezy which is reflected by the tone and the soundtrack, but soon as many may find, the pressures of life find a way in.

This means that a certain amount of reflection takes place and before you may realise it, life has not necessarily put you where you wanted to be, but where you’re needed the most. This is met with fantastic performances with a script that makes the characters feel as real as any person you are likely to meet and will leave you thoughtful long after viewing.