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Comedy drama

The Worst Person in the World (2022): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Worst Person in the World (2022) movie poster

The Worst Person in the World is a 2022 comedy drama directed by Joachim Trier, starring Renate Reinsve as Julie, Anders Danielsen Lie and Herbert Nordrum. It runs 2 hours 1 minute and earned $13.1 million worldwide on a $5 million budget. It was nominated for 2 Oscars. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
96%
worldwide gross
$13.1M
award nominations
5
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The Worst Person in the World (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 1m (121 min)
Director
Joachim Trier
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
Norwegian
Studio
Neon
Budget
$5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Worst Person in the World About?

The premise of The Worst Person in the World without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

This poignant comedy-drama follows Julie as she explores her twenties, grappling with love, career choices, and the search for identity in Oslo. Over four years, the film chronicles her journey through 12 chapters, depicting both joyful and painful experiences. Renate Reinsve delivers a remarkable performance as Julie, a young woman navigating relationships with two very different men and seeking happiness amidst the complexities of modern life.

The Worst Person in the World Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • oslo norway
  • infidelity
  • cancer
  • female photographer
  • voice over narration
  • breakup
  • magic mushroom
  • yoga
  • feminist
  • norway
  • male frontal nudity
  • pregnancy test
+38 more
  • hospital
  • comic book
  • flirting
  • age difference
  • pregnancy
  • dying of cancer
  • gym
  • chapter numbers
  • reindeer
  • christmas
  • millennial
  • climate activist
  • female protagonist
  • sex scene
  • oral sex
  • male nudity
  • female frontal nudity
  • love
  • chapter headings
  • existential crisis
  • urinating in front of someone
  • hallucination
  • mother daughter relationship
  • father daughter relationship
  • male female relationship
  • drug trip
  • urination
  • animated scene
  • cunnilingus
  • female nudity
  • female rear nudity
  • reference to facebook
  • female topless nudity
  • 30th birthday
  • birthday
  • playing piano
  • reference to david lynch
  • reference to the covid 19 pandemic
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Cast & crew

The Worst Person in the World Cast & Characters

Renate Reinsve leads the cast as Julie, with Anders Danielsen Lie as Aksel and Herbert Nordrum as Eivind. Directed by Joachim Trier; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Worst Person in the World

· 6 more
From the director

More from Joachim Trier

More films directed by Joachim Trier, best-rated first: Sentimental Value, Oslo, August 31st, Thelma and Reprise.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Worst Person in the World Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Worst Person in the World 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in story & flow (78).

85 /100

The Worst Person in the World Echo Score Breakdown

The Worst Person in the World delivers a cohesive blend of strong direction, nuanced performances, and thoughtful storytelling that resonates with contemporary audiences. Critics and viewers alike commend its fluid chapter structure, vivid depiction of Oslo, and authentic emotional beats, while noting occasional pacing lulls in extended contemplative scenes. Together, these elements create a film that feels both artistically accomplished and emotionally resonant, earning a high overall appraisal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 82

    The film’s art and craft are notably strong. Direction moves fluidly across twelve chapters, allowing the narrative to unfold with confidence. Cinematography captures Oslo using an understated palette that mirrors Julie’s internal journey, while production design reflects the transitional phases of her life. Editing maintains measured pacing despite the episodic format, reinforcing the story’s coherence. Overall, the craftsmanship elevates the viewing experience.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    Character work stands out as a principal strength. Renate Reinsve delivers a nuanced, believable performance that anchors the film’s emotional core. Chemistry with co‑stars adds depth to Julie’s relationships, portraying indecision and yearning with realism. Supporting characters are rendered with sufficient backstory to feel fully realized, and emotional resonance peaks during moments of love, loss, and self‑discovery. Consequently, the cast creates a compelling emotional engagement throughout.

  • Story & Flow 78

    The story offers a thoughtful, if uneven, exploration of modern adulthood. A clear chapter structure traces four years of Julie’s life, providing an accessible framework. The plot focuses on everyday decisions, making the narrative relatable, though occasional scenes linger longer than necessary, causing minor pacing dips. Originality shines in the seamless blend of rom‑com elements with existential reflection. Overall, the narrative remains engaging despite occasional lulls.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory experience complements the film’s tone effectively. The soundtrack alternates soft melodies with purposeful silence, underscoring introspective moments. Sound design remains subtle, allowing dialogue and ambient city sounds to breathe. Visual style employs muted colors and confident framing that echo Julie’s emotional state, while cinematography captures Oslo’s atmosphere with measured elegance. These sensory choices reinforce the film’s thematic layers and mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 84

    Rewatch value is high for audiences attuned to its themes. The layered character study reveals new nuances on subsequent viewings, and the episodic format invites reflection on evolving life phases. Emotional authenticity fosters a lasting connection, encouraging viewers to revisit the film for deeper insight. While slower moments may deter some repeat viewings, the overall composition rewards multiple engagements for most viewers.

Plot

The Worst Person in the World Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Worst Person in the World from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

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.

Full summary

The whole story of The Worst Person in the World, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

The Worst Person in the World Box Office & Budget

The Worst Person in the World grossed $13.1 million worldwide on a $5 million budget, 2.6 times what it cost. $3 million came from the US and Canada and $10 million (77%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$13.1M

2.6× its budget

US & Canada
$3M
International
$10M
Budget
$5M
US & Canada 23% Rest of the world 77%
Awards

The Worst Person in the World Awards & Nominations

The Worst Person in the World was nominated for 2 Oscars. The 5 nominations come from 3 ceremonies.

5 nominations3 ceremonies

Videos

The Worst Person in the World Trailers & Videos

16 videos: 3 trailers, 4 teasers, 1 clip and 8 featurettes.

All 16 videos
Official International Trailer
  • Trailer Official UK Trailer
  • Trailer Official UK Trailer #2
  • Teaser Official Teaser
  • Teaser Teaser
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Worst Person in the World?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What profession does Julie initially pursue?

Details

The Worst Person in the World Also Known As

31 alternative titles, including “世界上最爛的人” and “Найгірша людина у світі”.

Also known as
  • 世界上最爛的人
  • Найгірша людина у світі
  • Dünyanın Ən Pis İnsanı
  • Maailman huonoin ihminen
  • 사랑할 땐 누구나 최악이 된다
  • La persona peggiore del mondo
  • Julie (en 12 chapitres)
  • Nejhorší člověk na světě
  • Pasaulē sliktākais cilvēks
  • Найгірша людина в світі
  • Dünyanın En Kötü İnsanı
  • Världens värsta människa
+19 more
  • La peor persona del mundo
  • Худший человек на свете
  • האדם הגרוע בעולם
  • 世界上最糟糕的人
  • A világ legrosszabb embere
  • Der schlimmste Mensch der Welt
  • A Pior Pessoa do Mundo
  • Najgorszy człowiek na świecie
  • Ο Χειρότερος Άνθρωπος στον Κόσμο
  • 世上最爛的人
  • หัวใจไม่สงบอยากจบที่เธอ
  • بدترین فرد در جهان, ყველაზე ცუდი ადამიანი დედამიწის ზურგზე
  • わたしは最悪。
  • أسوأ شخص في العالم
  • Blogiausias žmogus pasaulyje
  • Verdens værste menneske
  • La pitjor persona del món
  • Maailma halvim inimene
  • Người Tệ Nhất Thế Gian

Seen The Worst Person in the World?

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Movies Like The Worst Person in the World

Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Worst Idea Ever, The Worst Years of Our Lives and Oslo, August 31st.

FAQ

The Worst Person in the World FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Worst Person in the World, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Worst Person in the World?

The Worst Person in the World runs 2 hours 1 minute (121 minutes).

When was The Worst Person in the World released?

The Worst Person in the World was released on February 4, 2022.

Who directed The Worst Person in the World?

The Worst Person in the World was directed by Joachim Trier.

More films by Joachim Trier

Who is in the cast of The Worst Person in the World?

The Worst Person in the World stars Renate Reinsve as Julie, Anders Danielsen Lie as Aksel and Herbert Nordrum as Eivind, among 10 credited actors.

How much did The Worst Person in the World make at the box office?

The Worst Person in the World grossed $13.1 million worldwide ($3 million domestic, $10 million international) on a budget of $5 million.

How is The Worst Person in the World rated?

The Worst Person in the World has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 91 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.

Was The Worst Person in the World nominated for any awards?

The Worst Person in the World received 5 nominations across 3 ceremonies.

Does The Worst Person in the World have a post-credit scene?

No. The Worst Person in the World has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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