Sick of Myself 2023
Directed by
Kristoffer Borgli
Made by
Utopia
Plot Summary
Signe and Thomas find themselves in a turbulent relationship while living in Oslo, where Signe juggles her job as a barista and Thomas pursues his passion for creating sculptures from stolen furniture. Amidst the backdrop of their everyday life, Signe grapples with jealousy, feeling overshadowed by the growing attention Thomas receives. In her quest to regain the spotlight, she devises increasingly drastic measures, including a bizarre plan involving a dog after witnessing a similar situation at her job.
When Thomas secures a prestigious exhibition for his work, Signe disrupts his celebratory speech by faking an intense allergic reaction, shamelessly seeking to draw the focus back to herself.
In her search for relief and attention, Signe stumbles upon a troubling news piece regarding Lidexol, a Russian anti-anxiety medication that had been recalled due to severe side effects. Undeterred, she purchases a substantial supply from her friend Stian, her drug dealer, and quickly becomes reliant on it. As the medication begins to take a toll, she visits a doctor at Thomas’ urging but rebuffs his attempts at a thorough examination. On the same day, while Thomas is engaged in a pivotal interview with a magazine, Signe feels neglected and subsequently overdoses on Lidexol, landing herself in the hospital, much to Thomas’ dismay.
Signe’s mother encourages her to join a holistic support group tailored for individuals battling serious illnesses. Here, she faces skepticism from fellow members who question her authenticity. Nonetheless, Signe secures an interview with a major news outlet purportedly aimed at raising awareness about her condition. However, her story is quickly overshadowed by a tragic mass shooting in the news cycle. Surprisingly, the next day, her piece is featured on the front page of a leading national newspaper, which catapults her into the spotlight—culminating in a modelling contract fueled by her fabricated narrative.
As her physical health declines further due to continuous use of Lidexol, she is cast in a commercial for a fashion brand named Regardless, filmed in a museum alongside a model coping with symbrachydactyly. The day of the shoot spirals out of control when Thomas is arrested for theft, recognized by an employee from a furniture store after his notorious magazine mention as “Thomas the Thief.” In a shocking twist during the filming, Signe manages to lock her fellow model in the bathroom, only to collapse on set. Confiding in her journalist friend Marte, Signe reveals that her suffering was fabricated all along, while Thomas faces the consequences of his actions behind bars. Desperate for comfort, Signe finds her way back to the support group, continuing her charade by inventing new symptoms to share.
Timeline
Signe and Thomas in Oslo
Signe and Thomas navigate their turbulent relationship while living in Oslo. Signe manages her job as a barista while Thomas pursues his passion for creating sculptures from stolen furniture.
Signe's Jealousy Emerges
Feeling overshadowed by Thomas's rising fame, Signe grapples with intense jealousy. Her desire to regain focus leads her to devise increasingly bizarre plans to draw attention back to herself.
Thomas's Exhibition
Thomas secures a prestigious exhibition for his sculptures, marking a significant achievement in his career. As he delivers a celebratory speech, Signe disrupts the moment by faking an intense allergic reaction.
Discovery of Lidexol
Amid her emotional turmoil, Signe discovers troubling news regarding Lidexol, a recalled Russian anti-anxiety medication known for severe side effects. Despite the warnings, she purchases a supply from Stian, her drug dealer.
Signe Becomes Dependent
As Signe begins to rely heavily on Lidexol for relief and attention, its toll on her health becomes increasingly evident. Thomas urges her to see a doctor, but Signe rebuffs his attempts at a thorough examination.
Overdose Incident
Feeling neglected on the day of Thomas's magazine interview, Signe succumbs to her emotional pain and overdoses on Lidexol. This critical decision leads to her hospitalization, adding to Thomas's distress.
Support Group Encounter
Signe's mother encourages her to join a holistic support group aimed at individuals battling serious health issues. There, she faces skepticism and doubts from fellow members regarding her authenticity.
Media Coverage and the Shooting
Signe's attempt to secure media attention leads to an interview with a major news outlet. However, her narrative is quickly overshadowed by a tragic mass shooting reported in the news.
Front Page Feature
Unexpectedly, Signe's story gains traction when it is featured on the front page of a leading national newspaper. This exposure catapults her into the spotlight, leading to a modelling contract fueled by her fabricated narrative.
Commercial Shoot
Signe is cast in a commercial for a fashion brand named Regardless, filmed in a museum. During the shoot, she is unexpectedly faced with challenges when Thomas is arrested for theft related to his past actions.
Dramatic Shoot Incident
While filming, chaos ensues as Signe locks her fellow model in a bathroom and collapses on set. This incident marks a critical turning point as her physical and mental health deteriorates.
Confession to Marte
In a moment of vulnerability, Signe confides in her journalist friend Marte about the deceit that fueled her suffering. This revelation showcases her desperate need to reconcile her actions amid chaos.
Thomas's Arrest Consequences
As Thomas faces the consequences of being recognized and arrested for his thievery, Signe's situation becomes increasingly dire. She finds herself returning to the support group to seek comfort and continue her charade.
Continuing the Deception
Despite her deteriorating health, Signe continues to fabricate new symptoms in the support group. Her obsession with attention keeps her entangled in a web of lies and deceit as her relationship with Thomas worsens.
Characters
Signe (Andrea Bræin Hovig)
Signe is a complex character struggling for recognition amid her boyfriend's rising fame. Her actions, driven by jealousy and desperation, lead her to fabricate illnesses and seek media attention shamelessly. Though her charming and relatable surface hides deeper insecurities, her darker side reveals the extremes one may go to in pursuit of relevance.
Thomas (Eirik Sæther)
Thomas is an aspiring sculptor whose talent becomes a source of tension in his relationship with Signe. His success inadvertently overshadows her, leading her to act out in extreme ways. Despite his passion for art, his struggles with theft and recognition reflect the challenges faced by creatives in a competitive world.
Marte (Fanny Vaager)
Marte is Signe's journalist friend, serving as a confidant who sees through Signe's facade. Her presence provides a glimpse into the media's role in Signe's attention-seeking behavior. As an ally, she embodies the struggle of supporting someone navigating toxic relationships and fame.
Setting
Location
Oslo
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its green spaces and rich cultural scenes. It combines modern architecture with historical landmarks and is often regarded for its focus on sustainability and outdoor activities. The city's artistic avenues, such as galleries and museums, make it a lively canvas for local creativity.
Themes
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Jealousy
Jealousy is a central theme as Signe feels overshadowed by Thomas's success. This drives her to create increasingly desperate plans to regain attention, highlighting the toxic nature of envy in relationships. Signe's actions are a reflection of how jealousy can distort one's sense of reality and morality.
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Substance Abuse
The film explores the theme of substance abuse through Signe's reliance on Lidexol, an anti-anxiety medication. Her quest for relief turns into a dangerous dependence, which spirals into a health crisis. This highlights the darker side of seeking attention and the risks associated with escaping reality through drugs.
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Media Manipulation
Signe's manipulation of her narrative for media attention illustrates the theme of media manipulation. Her journey into the spotlight is marked by deception, highlighting how easily stories can be shaped and sold to the public. This raises questions about authenticity and the lengths individuals may go for fame.
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