The Worst Person in the World 2021

Non spoiler thoughts (summary): A vibrant yet introspective relationship story about indecision, timing, and personal growth. It feels lighter and more energetic than generational trauma dramas, but still carries emotional weight through honest conversations and character flaws. Renate Reinsve brings warmth and complexity to a woman constantly searching for something more, even when she does not fully understand what that is. It is relatable, frustrating, and human. ⚠️ Spoilers ahead. From here on, plot details are discussed. Read on if you’ve seen the film. If not, save this post and come back after. ⚠️ This feels more high energy than Sentimental Value. It follows a woman exploring her options, and it is lighter and easier for me to resonate with compared to generational trauma stories. Renate Reinsve is a welcoming presence. I think she works best in roles with warmth and liveliness instead of constant sadness. I get Bridges of Madison County vibes. Julie wants to break free from being on the sidelines of her own life and grow at her own pace, while Eivind wants to slow things down and avoid becoming irrelevant inside a relationship that moves too fast. They both feel trapped in relationships where they cannot fully be themselves, so when they meet, it feels like a new possibility and also an escape. Kudos to Anders Danielsen Lie for the breakup scene. His face and tone move through different stages. First denial, making sure Julie understands what she is doing and analyzing her like diagnosing a symptom rather than accepting reality. Then anger, asking invasive questions and assuming she is projecting or just having a bad day. Then bargaining, saying he accepts her flaws and even accepts not having a child rather than losing her. That quick emotional progression felt very real, it feels like shifting gears. I resonate strongly with Julie’s complaint about Axel’s mindset. She says that for Axel, strength means being analytical and formulating thoughts, and if she is less analytical he sees her as weaker. I tend to analyze and solve everything too, so that line hit me personally. The mushroom sequence is trippy, especially the imagery of her older body and using her period as war paint. It visualizes her inner anxieties in a strange but memorable way. I knew conflict would happen because Julie wants change while Eivind wants stability. It is clear when she tells him he is fine serving coffee until fifty while she wants something more. There is internal pressure in their relationship from the start. I think Renate excels at playing complicated women. What frustrates me is Julie’s indecision. She chooses someone new but later dislikes the slower life he wants, then goes back to her ex because she cannot talk to anyone else. It proves Axel’s warning that she would only realize their connection later. She keeps repeating patterns and it becomes frustrating, the type of character that makes me want to say "I told you so". Her relief after the miscarriage also fits that pattern. It suggests she might not be ready for permanence and may prefer searching rather than settling, someone not capable yet of sustaining a long term relationship.