The Worst Person in the World

If you have ever felt that life is passing you by, then this wistful and warm film from Norwegian director Joachim Trier will hit you like a ton of bricks. Set in Oslo, the story is divided into 12 chapters that trace the 20s of a woman named Julie (the radiant Renate Reinsve), who is unsure of what to do with her life and with whom who to spend it. Julie makes the kind of mistakes that would usually cast her as the villain of the piece, but thanks to Reinsve imbuing her with irresistible charisma and relatability, she is far from what the film's sarcastic title suggests. Trier, who also co-wrote the script, directs with playful verve, from a kiss that would rival any romcom's to a dinner party with magic mushrooms on the menu. It is a film that dodges genre pigeonholes, with threads of romantic comedy and coming-of-age drama weaving into one, and a mournful final act that offers a further impactful gear-change.