Sick of Myself

No pun intended - we are talking about two individuals who need to be the center of attention. And while that may sound like a match made in ... well not heaven, but also not hell. Their attitude though ... especially hers ... the title suggests that she hates herself - but it is the perception of herself that she hates.

On the other hand, if someone goes to the lengths she goes through ... if you have seen the trailer you know what I mean. If not, don't worry I won't say what I mean. Suffice to say it is something amazingly crazy. And if you thought she was unlikeable before ... well let me tell you, you will not like her more after that inciting incident. That of course as anyone can guess spirals out of control.

The introduction the director gave (video message) before the movie began was funny. Suggesting that only smart people will understand and like the movie. That said, of course he is not insulting anyone not liking the movie. There are quite a few reasons why some may at least mildly annoyed at the movie. Or at least the characters and their poor decision making.

Make up is really good, the diving into the head of the main character and seeing a version of what she thinks her future holds for her appears as sudden as it goes away. And you can't always tell when it begins - you can mostly tell that it is a dream sequence though.

Suspend your disbelief and go on a ride with a person that thinks she deserves attention ... remember: this is just a movie and do not try this at home.

I didn't expect it to be THIS good. There's a lot of film talent in Scandinavia lately. If you're reading this and the combo "drama, comedy, horror" sounds appealing you can't go wrong with this one (I recommend watching it alone). It does those three genres well with great timing. It's funny, it's horrific, it's devastating and beautiful. A lot of films - most of them really - nail the beginning and then fall apart, or resort to generic formulas for the ending, but a good ending makes it all worth it, gives meaning to the whole thing, I believe it's the most crucial part of a film.

This is really great stuff, a descent into madness presented with intelligence, sensitivy and style, it's up there close to heavy weights like Cronenberg's The Fly or Polanski's Repulsion; and Kristine Kujath Thorp is outstanding, without her there is no film. Besides, she is absolutely gorgeous. This deserves much more attention (ha!).

I watched the entire movie speechless, I had to watch 2 episodes of "bake-off, the professionals" right after to smell the flowers... I do not agree with some reviews here which empathize with what they describe as a human who wants to be seen and recognized. To me, this is all about attention-obsession and the lack of basic morality and self-respect - everyone else is to a degree victim, but not the 2 lead characters in this movie.

The impact it has on the viewer makes the movie successful, and I recognize it is bold and courageous also because it touches the subject of the superficiality of social media and diversity models (although I find the hint of humor in the blind-assistant scenes not acceptable). Technically, the acting was good (convincing and natural a lot), the plot is keeping you engaged from start to finish, and it was well worth the time (and money if applicable) somebody spends to see it.

I recommend watching this movie either alone or with people who are equally willing to sit and watch carefully and discuss it afterwards. Its not a light Saturday night movie to "enjoy with friends" while ordering pizza and beers.

What an interesting character study of an attention-seeking masochist at heart. The lead is wonderfully performed by Kristine Kujath Thorp and the directing and editing by Kristoffer Borgli is impressive. Shooting on 35mm is no easy task, but he makes it not only look seamless, but also has a visual flair that I'm looking forward to seeing again in the future. I can see why Ari Aster is producing his next project. I do think there are some minor flaws with the picture, especially with its depiction of certain disabilities, but overall, the themes work in terms of the context of this story. If you like interesting character studies, I would definitely recommend checking this one out.

There is a lot of social commentary to be found in this film, which revolves around a young woman named Signe, who cannot deal with her pathological need for attention. It not only brings a character portrait of someone suffering from Münchhausen syndrome, but it also highlights topics like how we choose our beauty standards, even with "imperfect" beauty to be politically correct, or how we portray ourselves to the outside world.

A funny dynamic is her relationship with an equally attention hungry boyfriend Thomas: he asked for her help stealing furniture which he makes into his "art" and takes all the credit for himself. The more attention he receives, the more revolted she becomes and vice versa.

The movie starts off fantastically with increasingly absurd social situations and how far people are willing to go for a second in the spotlight. However, the speed decreases halfway through the movie and instead focusses more on the actual sickness Signe forced on herself. Even though her state of being gets worse and worse, the initial lighthearted yet dark humor that worked so well is kind of forgotten. The ending was felt anticlimactic and out of place for a movie that borded on the absurd and extreme during the first half.

The ideas and the script are really great, but all in all I feel the makers did not exactly know how to end the story. It would have been better - in my opinion - if it went out with a bang or at least a bit more on par with the intensity delivered in the beginning.