The Worst Person in the World (2021)
No wonder no one wants to get married.
Presentation:
When a film enters directly into the Criterion Collection in 2021, you know it’s culturally significant, but it may make you feel even worse about yourself. The Norwegian film follows the life of an indecisive and flaky millenial that selfishly navigates through life. Renate Reinsve captures the essence of angst a lot of people feel, though mostly targeted toward females. She has the look of Dakota Johnson but is not particularly likable nor charismatic and frankly a little annoying. This may consequentially be a good casting, but it was really hard to care and I didn’t feel empathy. I’m not sure if that was the goal but if you feel the same then much of the film will probably be tedious. There are some cinematic abstract sequences sprinkled throughout the film, but nothing particularly revolutionary for the indie budget. It is a stretch to call this a comedy.
Analysis:
While I agree with the core premise, it's hard to not see this film as blaming and demonzing women. Regardless whether these type of people deserve the wake up call, I expected some resolution other than a dark look at her lonely future.
Conclusion:
I appreciate any film that dares to criticize the modern way of life, but it’s not as compelling as it should be. The fact that they had 12 chapters made it feel like finishing steps in a homework assignment. The film is written and directed by a male and will potentially feel judgmental. It criticizes some feminist viewpoints and other self-centered behaviors growing among modern independent women. This is a harsh look in the mirror and I’m not sure how women will receive the message in this format. It’s a bit cynical, relatable, but I’m not sure it convinces you of the main message. Everyone knows birth rates are plummeting and women are more independent and trying to discover themselves. But this accurate yet disparaging representation of our indecision won’t change our existential crisis, it just makes us even more angsty. This film’s perspective is the complete opposite of The Lost Daughter, no wonder men and women live in different realities.
Recommendations
No wonder no one wants to get married.