‘Young Werther’ Review: A Quirky Rom-Com That Slowly Blossoms

When looking at the quantity of films being made, the romantic-comedy genre is not a dying breed. But, in terms of quality, only a small percentage slip through the cracks to be something truly special and memorable. José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço‘s first feature film, Young Werther, may not stand the test of time, but the cast makes the film a charming experience.

Based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe‘s 1774 novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, the movie is a modern reinterpretation that turns the tragedy into a bright rom-com set in Toronto, Canada. It’s interesting to see how Lourenço transforms the dark story into something much lighter for fans of the genre. But it’s difficult to root for the main characters to get together considering the film’s premise.

What Is ‘Young Werther’ About?

Young Werther follows Werther (Douglas Booth), a privileged young writer, as he travels from Montreal to Toronto to pick up a prized art piece for his mother. He comes across Charlotte (Alison Pill), her sister, Sissy (Iris Apatow), and her best friend, Melanie (Amrit Kaur), and is immediately enamored by Charlotte. After spending the evening together for her birthday, they have an undeniable connection.

However, Charlotte is already engaged to Albert (Patrick J. Adams), a successful lawyer who prioritizes work over his fiancée. Werther doesn’t let this stop him from being friends with Charlotte and even forms a bond with Albert, yet he still plans to try to win over Charlotte’s heart. The cheating trope isn’t my personal favorite, especially when there are ways to get out of a relationship before engaging in another.

Although Werther and Charlotte form a strong friendship that they both need, the situation with Albert isn’t bad enough to consider cheating, whether physical or emotional. Because Young Werther feels so real through its characters, Charlotte’s concerns with Albert are something that can be discussed, instead of a reason to commit infidelity.

Douglas Booth, Alison Pill, and Patrick J. Adams Are a Terrific Trio

Although it’s difficult to root for Werther and Charlotte as romantic partners, Booth and Pill have great chemistry with one another. Booth is charming as Werther, which makes the character so likable. But there’s very little in the dialogue that justifies his actions in pursuing Charlotte. Even as Werther grows to admire Albert, it’s strange to see Wether be so determined to break them up and be with Charlotte.

From Edgar Wright‘s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World to M. Night Shyamalan‘s Trap, and now Young Werther, there must be something in the Toronto air that makes Pill shine as an actress. Although I should be more mad at Charlotte for being torn between two guys, Pill expresses Charlotte’s inner conflict well. Charlotte becomes the family matriarch after both of her parents pass away, but it’s not something she regrets. Werther reminds her of the youth she missed out on, while Albert is the most stable option for her future. Pill’s emotional facial expressions are enough to convey her struggle.

While Adams could seem type-cast to play a lawyer in Young Werther considering his most iconic role is Mike Ross in Suits, he gives a worthy performance in this film. Albert isn’t trying to be a bad partner to Charlotte; he’s oblivious to Werther’s moves toward her and doesn’t feel threatened by him. Albert has his problems, but he’s ultimately not a bad guy. He cares for Charlotte and her many siblings, treating them as his own.

‘Young Werther’ Is Endearing, yet Frustrating

Young Werther wouldn’t work as well as it does without Booth, Pill, and Adams leading the film. They give an authentic portrayal of their characters that makes the movie feel genuine. However, because it feels so real, it’s difficult to root for Werther and Charlotte’s relationship. While it takes time to warm up to this story, the conclusion is satisfactory. Young Werther may not crack the best rom-coms of the year, but it’s still worth seeing if you’re a fan of the genre or the cast.

Young Werther is now showing in theaters across Canada, and available on digital platforms in the U.S. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.