She was a decent and friendly person who could be happy, loving … and argumentative.
She was going to be a doctor, then a psychologist, then a photographer and ended up working in a bookshop.
As a young woman, she enjoyed the company of men and had a number of relationships before finding love with one 14 years her senior.
He adored her and she cared deeply for him, but she was searching for more.
Settling down didn’t mean she was settled.
She was looking to find herself and stand up for what she believed in and wanted.
Nearing 30, there was pressure on her to start a family, but she wasn’t ready to do so.
An impulsive act changed the course of her future.
That is the compelling story of beautiful and buoyant Julie (Renate Reinsve), which unfolds via an prologue, 12 chapters and an epilogue.
Such treatment of the narrative arc by co-writer (with Eskil Vogt) and director Joachim Trier works nicely.
Importantly, The Worst Person in the World doesn’t signal its punches.
It is a slice of life piece, where events aren’t preordained.
Life is lived. Decisions are made. Good and bad things happen. There are triumphs and setbacks.
Underpinning it all is decency.
It is comedic, romantic and dramatic.
The characters appear genuine.
They set out to connect, not to hurt others, even if there is hurt along the way.
It is easy to fall for lead actress Reinsve, the way she inhabits Julie’s skin.
So too Anders Danielsen Lie, who is charming, if at times self-absorbed, as Julie’s first love Aksel.
The Worst Person in the World gained my interest from the get-go and held it throughout.
It is bound to generate a loyal following among those who appreciate well-made adult cinema.
Rated MA, it scores an 8 out of 10.
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