When You Finish Saving the World

Evelyn and her oblivious son Ziggy seek out replacements for each other. As Evelyn tries to parent an unassuming teenager at her shelter, Ziggy fumbles through his pursuit of a brilliant young woman at school.

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Manuel São Bento@msbreviews

February 21, 2022

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/when-you-finish-saving-the-world-spoiler-free-review-sundance-2022

"When You Finish Saving the World shows Jesse Eisenberg's solid attributes as a first-time director, but the unrewarding story led by two unbearable protagonists makes it a difficult watch.

Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard are excellent at making the viewer hate their frustratingly hypocritical & narcissistic characters - who disappointingly fail to show any sort of learning curve or a complete arc. Eisenberg boasts a firmly honest vision by ensuring every scene carries a clear purpose and underlying message.

In the end, it's just a matter of perspective: recognizing the lack of a healthy mother-son relationship is undeniable proof of efficient storytelling.

But the third act truly needed a more impactful, less subtle conclusion."

Rating: C-