The final instalment of Joachim Trier’s “Oslo” trilogy has finally arrived. “The Worst Person in the World” is a powerful affair that flips the traditional rom-com on its head. The film follows an indecisive main character who brings you along on a 12-chapter quest for to find herself and what she wants from life. “The Worst Person in the World” firmly establishes itself as one of 2021’s best films right from the get-go.
Trying to Find Yourself in Life and Love
Julie (Renate Reinsve) is a young woman who finds herself trying to navigate her way through life after a life-changing epiphany, which results in deciding to become a photographer. She first meets Aksel, (Anders Danielsen Lie) a successful comic book artist; the two hit it off, despite Aksel being 15 years her senior. They then enter a relationship together; but before long their mundane relationship is interrupted when Julie meets Eivind (Herbet Nordrum). Their impromptu meeting results in Julie ending things with Aksel, but leaving the chance for them to reconcile. Eivind and Julie soon form their own relationship, quickly forming an ardent bond. What comes next is an emotionally-rich journey that forces Julie to take an in-depth look at who she really is.
Renate Reinsve gives an awe-inspiring performance in the lead role, and her absence from the major ‘Best Actress’ line-ups this awards season is painfully noticeable. Reinsve leads a cast who all give marvelous performances; Anders Danielsen Lie’s portrayal of Julie’s ex-lover is arguably one of the most gutting things about this film. However, the crux of their performances comes when Julie faces a major dilemma, turning to Aksel for advice. What follows is an incredibly raw, fragile sequence that tugs at your heartstrings. These wonderful performances allow for Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt’s magnificent screenplay to be brought to life.
Immersing Viewers in the City of Oslo
“Riders of Justice” cinematographer Kasper Tuxen immerses audiences into the city of Oslo; he uses 35mm film and provides gorgeous visuals. Tuxen takes full advantage of the Oslo skyline, effortlessly integrating it alongside the characters. These easy-on-the-eye visuals are a part of what makes “The Worst Person in the World” feel like a masterclass in filmmaking, alongside its brilliant screenplay and sensational performances.
Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie in “The Worst Person in the World.” (Photo: Oslo Pictures).
The film is one of more refreshing features surrounding the 2022 awards season; what it lacks in not being a charming biopic or star-studded action flick, it makes up for in complex characters that audiences can resonate with. It also isn’t as clean-cut as your typical rom-com; Trier brilliantly bends the rules of the overdone genre, giving it a dark twist that works in the film’s favour.
A Fitting End to the Trilogy
Joachim Trier weaves themes of feminism and womanhood into the undertones of “The Worst Person in the World;” he creates an in-depth character study of one woman and her search to find out who she really is and what kind of person she wants to be. This film forces you as a viewer to investigate yourself and your own relationships: do you see things through to the end or do you give up halfway through? Acclaimed director Joachim Trier brings audiences a film that becomes an instant classic from the first viewing. “The Worst Person in the World” is a poignant and mesmerising film that is the perfect way to close Trier’s “Oslo” trilogy and well-deserving of its two Academy Award nominations.
There are currently no streaming options for “The Worse Person in the World.” The film opened in theaters on February 4th.
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