#SUNDANCE: “THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD”

By Mr. Will Wong

While it already has made waves at Cannes and TIFF, Norwegian Writer/Director Joachim Trier brings the brilliant finale to his acclaimed “Oslo Trilogy” to Sundance. The Romantic Dramedy is shortlisted to represent Norway at the upcoming Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.

Trier continues to explore life today in this Norwegian capitol and at the center of the story is Julie (Renate Reinsve in her award-winning performance), an almost-thirty woman still figuring it out. We meet her as a medical student, who then decides she wants to study Psychology. She wants to be a Photographer. And then a Writer. She meets Aksel (Anders Danielsen Lie) known for his politically-incorrect comic books, and while he is some 15 years older than she, they strike a deep connection and fall in love. As their relationship progresses, there are some points of contention. Aksel has figured out who he is, though Julie really hasn’t. He wants children, though she isn’t quite there yet. And more so, Aksel has a perspective that has come with age that makes Julie feel diminished. Julie meets Elvind (Herbert Nordrum) and they fall in love, filling voids in their own current respective relationships. But as Aksel‘s world begins to unfold, Julie still finds him on her mind and she must confront herself as her life reaches a crossroad.

The performances from our two leads feel so remarkably effortless. We feel we are getting all of Julie in Reinsve‘s thoughtful work, matched by Lie who takes Aksel through a range of emotions and questions. I already can envision adaptations of the Film in other languages with Actors chomping at the bit to take on these rich, complex roles.

THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD is gorgeous, subtle and thought-provoking storytelling that equally captures the lightness and humour of falling in love. At once, it dives deep into the pain of soul searching and falling out of love as well, while considering life since #MeToo and into the pandemic. Trier has gifted us with something that is both now and timeless.

THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD screens at Sundance:

• JAN. 20  11:45PM EST Available Until Jan. 21 2:45AM EST 
• SECOND SCREENING JAN. 21  10:00AM EST Available Until Jan. 24 10:00AM EST