Directed by
Joachim Trier
Made by
Neon
Discover the intricate plot of The Worst Person in the World (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Julie, a medical student in Oslo, embarks on a transformative journey, shifting her focus from medicine to psychology and eventually to photography. In her late twenties, she begins a complex relationship with Aksel Willman, a comic artist who is 15 years her senior. During a weekend visit to Aksel’s parents’ house, he suggests the idea of starting a family, a notion that leaves Julie feeling apprehensive.
One fateful night, after attending a publishing event for Aksel, Julie inadvertently crashes a wedding reception, where she encounters Eivind, a charismatic barista. Despite both being in relationships, they share a night filled with laughter and intimacy, although they do not engage in sexual activities, only exchanging first names before parting.
Julie’s creative expression flourishes when she writes a provocative short story about feminism and oral sex that captures Aksel’s attention and prompts him to encourage her to share it online. The story becomes a sensation. However, as Julie celebrates her 30th birthday at her divorced mother’s home, she faces disappointment when her father, under the pretense of back pain, fails to show up. In an unexpected twist, her half-sister reveals that he had actually attended one of Julie’s football games on that same day, leaving her feeling further estranged.
While working at a bookstore, Julie bumps into Eivind and his girlfriend, Sunniva. At a dinner with Aksel’s family, Aksel laments about the sanitized film adaptation of his politically incorrect comic series Bobcat, leaving Julie disinterested and lost in thoughts about Eivind. Ultimately, she decides to end her relationship with Aksel.
Meanwhile, Eivind ends things with Sunniva due to her overly restrictive ideals concerning social justice and climate issues. Sparks fly as Julie and Eivind begin to live together. During a small gathering at Eivind’s place, someone discovers a hidden stash of psychedelic mushrooms, which Julie partakes in, resulting in bizarre hallucinations. That evening, she confides in Eivind, expressing her comfort in being herself around him.
Tragically, Aksel’s brother later reveals to Julie that Aksel is suffering from incurable pancreatic cancer. A short time later, Eivind stumbles across a story Julie wrote, and, believing it to be autobiographical, confronts her. In a moment of anger, she denies his claims, patronizing him in the process.
The situation escalates when Julie learns she is pregnant but feels uncertain about telling Eivind. Visiting Aksel in the hospital, he opens up about his fear of death while professing his love for her. Despite Aksel’s assurances that she would make a wonderful mother, Julie remains terrified about the impending changes. Upon returning home, she reveals her pregnancy to Eivind and expresses her need for time to make a decision about the child. Unfortunately, she later receives grave news from Aksel’s brother, implying that Aksel may not make it through the night.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, while showering, Julie experiences a miscarriage.
Fast forward to some time later, Julie finds herself working as an on-set photographer for a film production. While capturing images of an actress, she later spots the actress outside with Eivind and a baby. Reflecting on her day, she returns home to edit the photographs, as memories of her past and hopes for the future intertwine in her mind.
Track the key events of The Worst Person in the World (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Julie's Shift in Focus
Julie, a medical student in Oslo, begins a profound transformation in her academic focus. She shifts her studies from medicine to psychology, and eventually discovers a passion for photography.
Julie Meets Aksel
In her late twenties, Julie enters a complex relationship with Aksel Willman, a comic artist much older than her. Their relationship challenges her perceptions of love and personal aspirations.
A Family Discussion
During a weekend visit to Aksel’s parents' home, Aksel brings up the notion of starting a family. This suggestion leaves Julie feeling anxious and uncertain about their future together.
The Wedding Reception Encounter
One night, after attending a publishing event for Aksel, Julie accidentally crashes a wedding reception. It is here that she meets Eivind, a charismatic barista, and they share a memorable night of laughter and connection.
Julie's Provocative Story
Julie writes a daring short story addressing feminism and oral sex, which captivates Aksel. He encourages her to share it online, resulting in its unexpected viral success.
Disappointment on Julie's Birthday
Celebrating her 30th birthday at her mother's home, Julie faces disappointment when her father does not attend. She learns through her half-sister that he had been at one of her football games, deepening her sense of estrangement.
Bumping Into Eivind Again
While working at a bookstore, Julie encounters Eivind and his girlfriend, Sunniva, stirring up memories of their earlier connection. This chance meeting highlights her unresolved feelings towards Eivind.
Breaking Up with Aksel
During a dinner with Aksel's family, Julie feels increasingly disconnected from him as he discusses his comic series. Eventually, Julie decides to end her relationship with Aksel, recognizing it is no longer fulfilling.
Eivind's Breakup
Eivind ends his relationship with Sunniva due to her stringent beliefs about social justice. This liberation opens the door for him and Julie to explore their budding feelings for each other.
Living Together
Julie and Eivind start living together, creating a nurturing space for their relationship to flourish. A small gathering leads to an exploration of psychedelic mushrooms, adding even more depth to their bond.
Hearing of Aksel's Condition
Julie is confronted with the heart-wrenching news that Aksel has incurable pancreatic cancer, shared by his brother. This revelation forces her to reflect on her feelings for Aksel amid her new life with Eivind.
Confrontation Over a Story
Eivind discovers a story written by Julie and mistakenly believes it reflects her true experiences. In a moment of frustration, Julie responds defensively, straining their relationship.
Julie Learns of Her Pregnancy
Julie learns that she is pregnant but feels trepidation about informing Eivind. Her visit with Aksel in the hospital reveals his fears about dying, complicating her feelings as she navigates her new reality.
Heartbreaking Miscarriage
In a tragic turn of events, Julie experiences a miscarriage while showering. This loss leaves her grappling with emotions of grief and confusion about the paths ahead.
A New Beginning in Photography
Some time later, Julie finds fulfillment as an on-set photographer for a film production. While working, she sees Eivind with a baby, prompting her to reflect on her journey as she edits her photographs.
Meet the characters that bring The Worst Person in the World (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Julie
Julie is a medical student turned photographer, grappling with her identity and relationships. Her transition from medicine to art represents her internal struggle and desire for fulfillment. As she navigates complex emotions and choices, her character embodies the journey of self-exploration in a challenging world.
Aksel
Aksel is a comic artist who represents both Julie's passion and the weight of her emotional ties. As a nurturing yet flawed figure, he challenges Julie to confront her fears about family and commitment, ultimately symbolizing the balance between love and personal ambition. His tragic struggle with illness adds depth to his character.
Eivind
Eivind is a charismatic barista who becomes a catalyst for change in Julie's life. He represents freedom and creativity, contrasting with Aksel's serious demeanor. Through his relationship with Julie, Eivind helps her embrace her true self, embodying the excitement and uncertainty of new love.
Sunniva
Sunniva is Eivind's girlfriend, characterized by her strong ideals around social justice. Her relationship with Eivind ultimately falters due to conflicting values, illustrating the theme of sacrifice for personal beliefs. Sunniva serves as a foil to Julie, highlighting different paths in the pursuit of love and self-expression.
Uncover the settings of The Worst Person in the World (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Location
Oslo
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is known for its green spaces and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a unique blend of modern architecture, historical sites, and a connection to nature, making it a perfect backdrop for Julie's transformative journey. As a focal point of the narrative, Oslo reflects both the complexities of personal relationships and the pursuit of self-discovery.
Explore the core themes of The Worst Person in the World (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love and Loss
The film explores complex emotions surrounding love, particularly the pain of loss and the impact of decisions on relationships. Julie navigates her feelings for Aksel, whose battle with cancer adds a layer of tragedy to their connection. The theme underscores the difficulty of choosing between love, personal aspirations, and the inevitability of change.
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Self-Discovery
Julie's journey is one of exploring her identity and passions, moving from medicine to photography. Her creative expressions serve as a means to articulate her desires and struggles, highlighting the importance of finding oneself amidst the chaos of life. The theme resonates with anyone on a quest for personal authenticity.
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Pregnancy and Choices
The theme of unexpected pregnancy raises questions about agency and the responsibilities that come with adulthood. Julie's uncertainty about becoming a mother mirrors her overall journey of self-discovery. It poses the tough question of how to balance personal dreams with the reality of new responsibilities.
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