The Worst Person in the World

| 2021

Directed by: Joachim Trier

Main Plot

The Worst Person in the World follows the life of Julie, a young woman navigating her late twenties in Oslo, Norway. As she grapples with her identity and the pressures of adulthood, Julie experiences a series of romantic entanglements and career uncertainties. The film explores her relationships, particularly with a committed boyfriend and a charismatic older man, highlighting her struggles with commitment and self-discovery. Throughout her journey, Julie faces existential questions about love, ambition, and the fleeting nature of time. The narrative is structured in twelve chapters, each depicting different phases of her life, ultimately painting a portrait of a woman in search of meaning and fulfillment amid the chaos of modern life. The film captures the complexities of human emotions and the challenges of making choices that define one’s path.

Characters

  • Renate Reinsve plays Julie, a young woman navigating love and career choices, grappling with existential questions and personal growth throughout the film.
  • Anders Danielsen Lie plays Aksel, a successful comic artist and the protagonist's older boyfriend, whose relationship with her significantly impacts her journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
  • Herbert Nordrum plays Eivind, a barista who becomes Julie's love interest, complicating her romantic life and prompting her to reevaluate her relationships and personal choices.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Worst Person in the World, the protagonist, Julie, faces a pivotal moment of self-realization. After navigating a tumultuous relationship with Aksel and a brief romance with Eivind, she grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her. The film culminates in a series of vignettes that showcase her struggles with love, career, and personal fulfillment. As Julie confronts her feelings of inadequacy, she ultimately decides to embrace her own path, choosing to prioritize her happiness over societal norms. The narrative reaches its climax when she makes a significant choice to leave Aksel, who is dealing with his own health crisis, and pursue a more authentic life. This decision symbolizes her rejection of conventional expectations and her desire for self-discovery. The film concludes with a poignant scene where Julie reflects on her life choices, acknowledging the complexity of her experiences. The final moments emphasize the theme of impermanence and the inevitability of change, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and the understanding that life is a series of fleeting moments. Julie's journey encapsulates the struggle of finding one's place in a chaotic world, ultimately resolving the main conflict of her search for identity and belonging.

Joachim Trier Comedy Drama Romance Renate Reinsve Anders Danielsen Lie Herbert Nordrum