Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World (Verdens verste menneske) is a romantic dramedy set in Oslo that dissects modern love, personal growth, and the anxieties of navigating adulthood. The film blends realism, whimsy, and melancholy in a way that feels both deeply intimate and universally relatable.
Detailed Summary
Julie’s Restless Search for Identity
Julie (Renate Reinsve) is introduced as a bright but indecisive young woman. She shifts from studying medicine to psychology to photography, unable to commit to one path. This constant reinvention highlights her fear of permanence and her struggle to find meaning.
Julie and Aksel
Julie meets Aksel (Anders Danielsen Lie), a successful comic-book artist fifteen years older than her. Despite their age difference, they quickly fall into a loving relationship. Yet Julie remains unsettled, feeling weighed down by Aksel’s readiness for children and long-term commitment.
Infidelity and Eivind
During a party-crashing escapade, Julie meets Eivind (Herbert Nordrum). They share a night of playful intimacy without “technically” cheating—brushing teeth together, smelling each other’s sweat, confessing secrets—but no physical intercourse. This emotionally charged encounter cements their attraction, eventually leading Julie to leave Aksel for Eivind.
The Chapter of Regret
As Julie grows closer to Eivind, doubts creep back in. Aksel is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, forcing Julie to face mortality, unfinished love, and the harsh reality of her choices. The contrast between her carefree fling with Eivind and her meaningful bond with Aksel becomes painfully clear.
Movie Ending
The final act is devastatingly poignant. Aksel, gravely ill, reconnects with Julie. In their last conversations, he reminisces about life, culture, and the permanence of art—his comic books will live on, even as he fades. Julie, torn between grief and guilt, finally understands how deeply she loved him, despite having left.
After Aksel’s death, Julie’s relationship with Eivind collapses. He becomes a symbol of fleeting rebellion rather than lasting love. The film closes with Julie working behind the scenes on a photo shoot, observing another woman who might be Eivind’s partner now. Julie no longer seeks center stage—she stands quietly with her camera, finally embracing solitude and perhaps a more grounded sense of self.
This ending is not about neat resolutions but about accepting impermanence, grief, and self-awareness. Julie does not become “the worst person,” but rather a flawed, searching human being.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Worst Person in the World does not feature any post-credits scenes. The film’s ending is emotionally conclusive, and Trier avoids undercutting the impact with additional footage.
Type of Movie
The film is a romantic drama-comedy (dramedy) with strong existential undertones. It’s part of Joachim Trier’s so-called “Oslo Trilogy” (Reprise, Oslo, August 31st, and this film).
Cast
- Renate Reinsve as Julie
- Anders Danielsen Lie as Aksel
- Herbert Nordrum as Eivind
- Hans Olav Brenner as Julie’s father
- Vidar Sandem as Aksel’s father
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack blends original score by Ola Fløttum with an eclectic mix of tracks, from Art Garfunkel’s “Waters of March” to Harry Nilsson’s “I Will Never Leave You.” The music reflects Julie’s shifting moods—lighthearted, romantic, and bittersweet.
Filming Locations
The film was shot entirely in Oslo, Norway. The city is not just a backdrop but a living part of Julie’s story—cafés, apartments, and streets mirror her emotional shifts. The famous “running through Oslo” sequence, where time freezes as Julie dashes to meet Eivind, showcases the city in magical realism style.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay (2022)
- Cannes Film Festival: Renate Reinsve won Best Actress (2021)
- Widely listed among the Top 10 films of 2021 by critics worldwide
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Joachim Trier wrote Julie’s character specifically for Renate Reinsve, who had small roles in his earlier films.
- The “frozen Oslo” scene was done with hundreds of extras standing perfectly still—practically no CGI.
- Anders Danielsen Lie is not just an actor but also a practicing doctor, which gave extra resonance to Aksel’s illness scenes.
- Trier spent years refining the script to balance humor, romance, and tragedy.
Inspirations and References
The film is loosely inspired by Trier’s observations of millennial indecision and the pressures of modern relationships. It also takes influence from French New Wave cinema, particularly the playful yet melancholic style of François Truffaut.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Trier has not revealed alternate endings, but early drafts gave Julie a clearer romantic resolution. He later abandoned this in favor of the open, bittersweet conclusion we see in the final cut.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a book, though it draws thematic parallels to works exploring existential crises, such as Knausgaard’s autobiographical novels or contemporary relationship literature.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Julie crashing the wedding party and meeting Eivind.
- The “time freeze” running sequence through Oslo.
- Aksel reflecting on his cultural obsessions while facing death.
- Julie silently photographing at the end.
Iconic Quotes
- Aksel: “I don’t want to die. I want to keep living with you.”
- Julie: “I feel like a spectator in my own life.”
- Eivind: “Let’s not cheat, but let’s cheat anyway.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The comic-book panels shown are drawn by artist Jason, a well-known Norwegian cartoonist.
- Julie’s multiple academic shifts mirror Norway’s generational anxieties about career identity.
- Trier reuses themes of alienation and love from his earlier Oslo Trilogy films.
Trivia
- Renate Reinsve considered quitting acting before Trier offered her the role.
- The film premiered at Cannes to an 8-minute standing ovation.
- The title is meant ironically—Julie is not “the worst person,” but simply flawed.
Why Watch?
Watch this film if you want a raw, bittersweet, yet tender exploration of love, death, and identity in the modern age. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and emotionally honest—perfect for viewers who appreciate layered character studies.
Director’s Other Movies
- Reprise (2006)
- Oslo, August 31st (2011)
- Louder Than Bombs (2015)
- Thelma (2017)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Frances Ha (2012)
- Marriage Story (2019)
- Blue Valentine (2010)
- Her (2013)
- An Education (2009)
