Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself

Movie spotlight

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself

2002
Movie
111 min
Danish

The strange comedy film of two close brothers; one, Wilbur, who wants to kill himself, and the other, Harbour, who tries to prevent this. When their father dies leaving them his bookstore they meet a woman who makes their lives a bit better yet with a bit more trouble as well.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users85%
Director: Lone ScherfigGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Wilbur is a young man plagued by persistent suicidal thoughts, who finds himself inheriting a second-hand bookshop from his father. His life takes an unexpected turn when he falls for Alice, a single mother who is also struggling with her own difficulties. Wilbur's fragile mental state is further complicated by his well-meaning but overbearing brother, Harbour, who is determined to keep him alive and functional.

Critical Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its dark humor, emotional depth, and strong performances, particularly from Jamie Sives and Shirley Henderson. While some found its tone occasionally uneven, many appreciated its unique approach to sensitive subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its blend of dark comedy and poignant drama.

  • Recognized for strong performances that navigate difficult themes with sensitivity.

  • Noted for its unique and often unconventional storytelling approach.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's ability to balance humor with serious emotional themes, with many appreciating the performances and the heartwarming, albeit unconventional, relationships that develop.

Fun Fact

Director Lone Scherfig intentionally cast actors who were not well-known internationally to emphasize the film's focus on ordinary lives and relatable struggles.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

I enjoyed this one. <em>'Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself'</em> makes the film sound dark and I guess it does deliver in that sense, though it wasn't <em>as</em> as dark as I thought it might be... there's humour in there, albeit quite dry b...