Recovering addict Anders (Danielsen Lie) leaves his rehab center one day to look into a promising position in Oslo. Before the appointment he visits with an old friend Thomas (Brenner) who is now married with two young children. They discuss their lives, hopes and fears. After a disastrous job interview, Anders wanders the city and tries to meet up with his sister. Eventually he connects with some friends from his old life while attempting repeatedly to reach an ex-girlfriend by phone. Is he beginning a downward slide?

Danielsen Lie’s devastating portrayal of a young man struggling with an existential crisis anchors this absorbing, haunting film. Director Trier cleverly makes Oslo’s modern, stark architecture a reflection of Anders’ psychological stasis. Inspired by Pierre Drieu la Rochelle’s 1931 novel “Le Feu Follet,” this award-winning, naturalistic work builds to a powerful climax. Don’t miss this assured second feature from a still-young director.