WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD, THE

(director/writer:Joachim Trier; screenwriter: Eskil Vogt; cinematographer: Kasper Tuxen; editor: Olivier Bugge Coutté; music:Ola Fløttum; cast: Renate Reinsve (Julie), Anders Danielsen Lie (Aksel), Herbert Nordrum (Eivind), Hans Olav Brenner (Ole Magnus),Mia McGovern Zaini (Eva voice); Runtime: 121; MPAA Rating: NR; producers; Thomas Robsahm, Andrea Berentsen Ottmar: Neon; 2021-Norway-in Norwegian with English subtitles)

“The  coming-of-age film offers a dazzling performance by its star.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The Norwegian writer-director Joachim Trier (“Back Home”/”Thelma”) and co-writer Eskil Vogt give us a lively portrait of a woman searching for romantic and creative meaning in her life. The story unfolds over four-years in Oslo, until she hits 30, and is told in 12 chapters.

Julie (Renate Reinsve) is the so called ‘worst person,’ a tag she receives and accepts from her latest boyfriend Eivind (Herbert Nordrum).

Her life is messy, restless and active. The young woman goes from wanting to be a doctor to wanting to be a photographer. She falls in love at first with the underground comic book writer Aksel ( Anders Danielsen Lie), who is 44. But also becomes attracted to Eivind.

The film in a comical way questions morality, maturity, social awkwardness, being a screw-up and the need for good sex.

The coming-of-age film offers a dazzling performance by its star.

REVIEWED ON 11/22/2021  GRADE: B-