Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer
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😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

🍿 Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Inheriting the Bookshop

Wilbur and Harbour are two brothers in their thirties who have recently lost their father. They inherit his worn-down, second-hand bookshop in Glasgow. Wilbur, chronically suicidal and emotionally scarred by his mother’s death, relies heavily on his kind-hearted older brother, Harbour. Harbour has dedicated his life to looking after Wilbur and keeping him from harming himself.

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Scene 1

The Arrival of Alice and Mary

Alice, a cleaning lady at a local hospital, enters their lives when she starts selling discarded books from the hospital at their shop. She is a single mother with a young daughter named Mary. Harbour quickly falls in love with Alice, and a relationship develops between them. Mary, who dreams of a stable home, also forms a bond with the brothers, and a makeshift family begins to take shape.

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Scene 2

Complications and Relationships

As Harbour and Alice get married and try to build a life together, Wilbur’s suicidal tendencies continue. He even develops feelings for Alice, creating tension and complex emotions within the newly formed family. Meanwhile, Harbour is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, adding another layer of tragedy and uncertainty to their lives.

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Scene 3

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

🎬 Cast & Characters

  • Wilbur (Jamie Sives): The chronically suicidal younger brother who struggles with his mental health and forms complex relationships with those around him.
  • Harbour (Adrian Rawlins): The good-hearted older brother who dedicates his life to caring for Wilbur and finds love with Alice.
  • Alice (Shirley Henderson): A cleaning lady and single mother who enters the brothers’ lives and becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle.
  • Mary (Lisa McKinlay): Alice’s young daughter who yearns for a stable home and forms a connection with both Wilbur and Harbour.
  • Horst (Mads Mikkelsen): A German psychologist who runs a therapy group and develops a bond with Harbour.

💬 Memorable Quotes

  • Wilbur: “It gets more and more humiliating every time I try to do it and I fail.” – Wilbur expresses his frustration with his unsuccessful suicide attempts to his brother Harbour.
  • Wilbur: “It’s as dull as ditchwater. There’s nothing. Just blackness and utter silence. It’s a bit like being in Wales.” – Wilbur describes his near-death experience to Harbour, using dark humor to downplay the subject.
  • Harbour: “I’m going home with my wife and daughter.” – Harbour joyfully expresses his newfound happiness after marrying Alice and welcoming Mary into his life.

💰Box Office

  • Budget: $4,000,000
  • Domestic Gross: $235,294
  • Worldwide Gross: $1,873,482

💥 Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself’ and feeling strangely uplifted despite the heavy subject matter. The film has a way of finding humor in the darkest corners, and the performances are so raw and honest. I loved the scenes in the bookshop, the interaction between Harbour and Wilbur, and the unexpected romance that blossoms. It’s a film that stays with you.

  • Who would enjoy:
    • “Fans of dark comedies and dramedies”
    • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
    • “Audiences who appreciate films that explore complex relationships”
    • “Those who enjoy European and independent cinema”
  • Content warnings ⚠:
    • “Suicide attempts”
    • “Depiction of terminal illness”
    • “Infidelity”
    • “Male frontal nudity”
    • “Mature themes”
    • “Occasional strong language”

Professional Reviews

  • The Hollywood Reporter – Film + TV: “Lone Scherfig’s direction brings out the subtle nuances of the characters, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic. The film’s exploration of themes like loneliness, family, and the will to live is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Henderson’s performance stands out as a quiet powerhouse.
  • Deadline Film + TV: “A delicate balance between dark humor and genuine pathos makes this movie stand out. The screenplay explores complex family dynamics and the resilience of the human spirit. The setting of Glasgow adds a layer of authenticity to the story, grounding it in a world of both grit and beauty.

Audience Reactions

The quirky humor intertwined with the serious topic of suicide resonated with viewers.: Viewers appreciate the sensitive portrayal of complex relationships and the film’s unique blend of comedy and drama.

Shirley Henderson’s performance as Alice captivated audiences with her nuanced portrayal of a woman finding love and stability.: The acting was widely praised for its authenticity and depth, making the characters relatable and engaging.

Overall Consensus: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself is a thought-provoking and heartwarming film that explores complex themes with a delicate balance of humor and pathos, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

  • “Director Lone Scherfig is Danish, and the film was a Danish-Scottish co-production, contributing to its unique blend of dark humor and emotional depth.”
  • “Lars von Trier, known for his own provocative and often bleak films, served as a script consultant on ‘Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself’.”
  • “The film was shot on location in Glasgow, Scotland, adding to the authentic and somewhat gloomy atmosphere of the story.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself?

As of October 26, 2023, ‘Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local streaming services for availability as offers may vary.

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Scene 5

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, you might like these similar films:

  • Harold and Maude (1971): Shares a similar dark comedic tone and explores themes of suicide and finding joy in life through unconventional relationships.
  • Italian for Beginners (2000): Directed by Lone Scherfig, it also explores themes of love, loss, and connection among quirky characters in a realistic setting.
  • Submarine (2010): A coming-of-age story with a dark, quirky sensibility that explores themes of depression, love, and identity with a unique visual style.
  • Manchester by the Sea (2016): Explores themes of grief, depression, and the struggle to find meaning in life after tragic loss, with a focus on character-driven drama.

🛒 Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Related Products

  • The Glasgow Bookshop Book: An Affectionate History: A captivating journey through Glasgow’s rich literary heritage, perfect for book lovers and fans of the movie’s setting. Discover the unique stories of iconic bookshops and their place in the city’s culture.
  • Scottish Comfort Food: Traditional Recipes: Explore the warmth and flavors of Scottish cuisine with classic recipes that capture the essence of comfort food. From hearty stews to savory pies, this cookbook brings the taste of Scotland to your kitchen.
  • The Glasgow Style: Art & Design: Delve into the world of Glasgow’s art and design with a detailed look at its unique style. Featuring stunning visuals and insightful commentary, this book celebrates the city’s artistic heritage.
  • Essential Mads Mikkelsen Blu-ray Collection: A curated collection of Mads Mikkelsen’s most iconic roles, showcasing his versatility and talent. Experience his range from intense dramas to thrilling action films.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Where was ‘Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself’ filmed?

The movie was primarily filmed in Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK. The setting contributes to the film’s atmosphere of gloom and melancholy.

Is ‘Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself’ a comedy?

While often described as a black comedy or dramedy, ‘Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself’ balances dark humor with serious themes of suicide, loss, and complex relationships. Viewer opinions on the film’s comedic elements vary significantly.

What is the main theme of ‘Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself’?

The film explores themes of suicide, brotherly love, loss, complex relationships, and finding a reason to live amidst tragedy. It portrays how individuals cope with grief and the possibility of finding connection and purpose in unexpected circumstances.

🔥 Bonus Content

#pov The perfect family hides a dark secret…

Ever wonder what secrets lurk behind closed doors? This short skit nails the unsettling feeling of a family with something to hide. It’s only 40 seconds, but it’ll definitely leave you with chills!

I’m Gonna Kill Santa Claus – Official Music Video

Looking for something a bit out there? This music video is a wild ride of dark humor and catchy tunes! It doesn’t directly relate to the movie, but the offbeat vibe is sure to grab your attention.

When you are having a nightmare 😂

Ever had a nightmare that feels way too real? This short clip perfectly captures that terrifying feeling of being trapped in a bad dream. It’s super relatable if you enjoy scary movies with lots of suspense.

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