'YOUNG WERTHER' REVIEW: A Whimsical, Offbeat Canadian Adaptation of An 18th Century German Romance Novel [3.5/5]
A Sort of Love Story
[Rating 3.5/5] - dir. José Lourenço - 2024 - Canada - R - 1h 40m - Historical Drama
There is a playfulness bursting at the seams of this consistently offbeat Canadian film Young Werther, an adaptation of German popular romance novel The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774), directed by Toronto-based José Lourenço.
Not only do the black and white title cards and the classical-leaning score (Canadian musician Owen Pallett) indicate the overall teasing throwback aesthetic to come in an amusing, eccentric way, the performances (and they are performances) of the dialogue do too.
From the first two-person conversation onward (the titular “Werther”, and his anxious buddy “Paul”, played by Douglas Booth and Jaouhar Ben Ayed, respectively, argue about where to go after first arriving in Toronto), the way to perform this dialogue is outlined. It’s modern, but the actors’ cadence and rhythm harkens sometimes back to a more Shakespearean, stage-oriented style. It’s a combination I never considered. It’s true, I’m not the most well-versed when it comes to 18th century one-hit-wonder romance novel adaptations (forgive me for my sins), but I get the sense this vocal balancing act is a rare choice — or at least being successful with it is rare — even in this sub-sub-genre.
“Werther” meets a woman, falls in lust (love?) with her, and becomes determined to win her over. This being a plot almost a few hundred years old saves it from what might otherwise sound like a premise targeted at immature men, and-or anyone still not quite getting the point of 500 Days of Summer.
Boasting a cast any Millennial Canadian will be pleased to see (Alison Pill, Iris Apatow, Patrick J. Adams, Amrit Kaur) and a filmmaker unafraid to show Toronto for Toronto, Young Werther is the modest cinematic romp this Canadian didn’t know he wanted.
Why it’s premiering in January, I don’t understand. I could be way off, but isn’t January kind of slop month? Sure, some films seeking major awards wait until the last second in the year (or, annoyingly, just after) so they’re top of mind for voting bodies, but isn’t it too late for Young Werther? If that’s the case, the roll out strategy seems odd. I’m only calling it out because I want to see better for such a creative Canadian film, and right now it seems pushed to film distro Siberia; left to shoulder for room against movies like (but not actually) The Beekeeper (2024).
The one thing that nagged at me off and on throughout this film — and it actually serves as evidence of how good I think it otherwise is — is its insistence on darkening the corners of the screen on certain occasions; warping the corners. I get it. It’s meant to be reminiscent of old film etc., and to help conjure up the ye olde adaptation feeling. But I think that still could have been achieved limiting it to the opening scene, where “Werther”, against a Linden Oak tree, talks about how the tree gives off a scent not unlike “lukewarm ejaculate” (and viewers, it does).
And so. The feeling nagged, but there were other absolutely stunning shots from off the lakeshore, looking back at the city skyline. They made up for these minor faults and then some.
Overall, Young Werther is a contagiously joyful act. I think it will find a reverent, devoted audience, and possibly serve as a springboard for the always game Douglas Booth.
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P.S. The chimpanzee bit, lol.
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‘Young Werther’ is out January, 2025. Read our longform interview with director José Lourenço here.
Selected Movie Quote: “Who knew shotguns came in so many fetching colours?”
[Rating 3.5/5] - dir. José Lourenço - 2024 - Canada - R - 1h 40m - Historical Drama