Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself

2002, Drama/Comedy, 1h 46m

80 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Despite its morbid subject matter, Wilbur is a charming and often funny film. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

When their mother dies, Harbour (Adrian Rawlins) takes it upon himself to look after his suicidal brother, Wilbur (Jamie Sives). Years later, the brothers find themselves dealing with the sudden death of their father, from whom they inherit a bookstore. While working in the shop, they meet a hospital cleaning lady named Alice (Shirley Henderson) and her daughter, Mary (Lisa McKinlay). Harbour falls in love with Alice, and Wilbur's friendship with Mary gives him something to live for.
  • Rating:
    R (Some Disturbing Images|Language)
  • Genre:
    Drama, Comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Lone Scherfig
  • Producer:
    Gillian Berrie, Sisse Graum Jørgensen
  • Writer:
    Anders Thomas Jensen
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $233.1K
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    ThinkFilm

Cast & Crew

Jamie Sives
Wilbur
Adrian Rawlins
Harbour
Shirley Henderson
Alice
Lisa McKinlay
Mary
Mads Mikkelsen
Horst
Julia Davis
Moira
Susan Vidler
Sophie
Robert McIntosh
Taylor
Lorraine McIntosh
Ruby
Gordon Broem
Wayne
Lone Scherfig
Director
Anders Thomas Jensen
Screenwriter
Gillian Berrie
Producer
Peter Aalbæk Jensen
Executive Producer
Joachim Holbek
Original Music
Jørgen Johansson
Cinematographer
Sisse Graum Jørgensen
Producer
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself

All Critics (80) | Top Critics (30) | Fresh (67) | Rotten (13)

View All Critic Reviews (80)

Audience Reviews for Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself

  • Dec 05, 2011
    Well, this was definitely a surprise! Dark, yes. Comedy, not so much. Really fantastic writing, and the slow development of characters that aren't contrived or condescending. Even as tired as I was while watching this, I could not stop watching. I found this story mesmerizing....well done.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Aug 17, 2011
    It looks fine and the acting is good but 'Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself' doesn't work. The movie is manipulative and drenched in tedious sentimentality. Worst of all it isn't funny.
    Jonny B Super Reviewer
  • Nov 01, 2008
    Mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, very original story and well cast (even Shirley Henderson is very good here. Not nearly as "screetchy" as normal - I am sure she puts that voice on!), also quite funny in a dark way thanks to Julia Davis (I can never take her seriously. I just see Jill from NIghty Night whenever I see her!). There was just something about the story itself that didn't sit quite right with me. It seemed horrible for Wilbur and Alice to be carrying on behind Harbour's back, and then the final scene seemed disrespectful to Harbour. I don't want to spell it all out and ruin it for those who have not seen this, but those who have will know what I mean. Perhaps I am missing the point, I am not sure...
    Nicki M Super Reviewer
  • Jun 04, 2008
    Danish dark-comedy travels to Scotland and becomes more dark and less funny but still very bizarre. Seeing Mads Mikkelsen probably had something to do with me remembering Anders Thomas Jensen movies while watching this, but even if I didn't know beforehand that it was Danish, I would have definetly guessed it was so, because of the weird characters. This is about two middle aged brothers, running a bookstore after their father passed. Harbour is the older and decent one, running the store while trying to prevent his brother Wilbur trying to kill himself. Their lifes change after a woman walks into the store and into their lifes. Interesting story, weird characters, very good score, decent directing, overall a good movie which is not for everyone.
    Serdar C Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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