‘Young Werther’ Review: Suitor or Stalker? This Canadian Comedy’s Blindly Narcissistic Hero Is Both

Arguably one of the most insufferable protagonists in literature is the title figure in Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s “The Sorrows of Young Werther” — a martyr to unrequited love who ultimately commits suicide. The author soon distanced himself from this early work, despite the fame it brought him. No doubt that was largely because the fuel it provided for the subsequent Romantic movement (which he disdained) proved so flammable; there arose real-life cases of copycat self-annihilation amongst readers who fancied themselves as theatrically bereft as his hero.
Few beyond academics now are likely to recall the huge cultural impact the book had a quarter-millennium ago. Still, you needn’t be savvy to that historical footnote to enjoy the new “Young Werther” — though it does help. “Based on the smash hit 1774 novel of tragic romance,” as opening onscreen text announces, Jose Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenco’s debut feature is a confident, clever update.
Few beyond academics now are likely to recall the huge cultural impact the book had a quarter-millennium ago. Still, you needn’t be savvy to that historical footnote to enjoy the new “Young Werther” — though it does help. “Based on the smash hit 1774 novel of tragic romance,” as opening onscreen text announces, Jose Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenco’s debut feature is a confident, clever update.
- 12/13/2024
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Similar News
‘Fang Fiction’ TV Series in the Works at Madison Wells From Kate Stayman-London, Diablo Cody (Exclusive)
- 5/8/2025
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV

Katherine Romans & Charlie Traisman Launch Production Company Madhouse Films
- 5/6/2025
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV

The Next Great Horror Cult Hit Arrived When No One Was Looking
- 5/6/2025
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film

‘Eric Larue’ Review: A Drama About the Aftermath of a School Shooting Shouldn’t Have This Much Indie Attitude and This Little Insight
- 4/5/2025
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV

Theatrical Release Pace Picks Up As Curtain Falls On CinemaCon & Dour First Quarter – Specialty Preview
- 4/4/2025
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV

‘Eric Larue’ Review: Michael Shannon’s Directorial Debut Is a Quiet Triumph
- 4/4/2025
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire

Bloody Disgusting, Paramount Scares & Street Food Cinema Partner for ‘Friday the 13th’ Anniversary Event!
- 5/9/2025
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com

Ric Roman Waugh Signs First Look Deal With Lionsgate
- 5/9/2025
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News

Which stories did you miss in streaming this week?
- 5/9/2025
- by David Satin
- The Streamable

IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.