Mr. Nobody (2009)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
A man facing the end of his life reflects on the infinite possibilities of his past and the impact of the choices he made.
The story
In the year 2092, humanity has achieved quasi-immortality, leaving 118-year-old Nemo Nobody as the last mortal on Earth. As he approaches death, a psychiatrist uses hypnosis to help him recount his life. The narrative explores his memories from three distinct periods—ages 9, 15, and 34—revealing a complex web of alternative timelines. Because of a mystical oversight by the 'Angels of Oblivion,' Nemo is able to remember various possible futures that resulted from different choices. The story weaves through these divergent paths, exploring the consequences of his decisions in a non-linear narrative that incorporates the multiverse hypothesis.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 2092, as the last mortal human, 118-year-old Nemo Nobody is assisted by a psychiatrist and a journalist to recount his life. The narrative explores three specific ages: 9, 15, and 34. Due to a failure by the 'Angels of Oblivion,' Nemo remembers multiple timelines created by different choices. These include his life with his mother in Montreal, where he meets Anna, and his life with his father in England, where he meets Elise. The film explores various outcomes: in one, he marries Anna; in another, he marries Elise; in a third, he marries Jean. The narrative also features a surreal, abstract realm where a version of Nemo is trapped in a loop. The story concludes with the revelation that the journalist and the psychiatrist are figments of a 9-year-old boy's imagination as he struggles to choose between his parents. In the final moments, the universe contracts, time reverses, and the various versions of Nemo and his parents are reunited in a final, unified reality.
- First release year
- 2009
- Runtime (minutes)
- 141
- Production countries
- Belgium; Canada; France; Germany
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jaco Van Dormael
- Writers
- Jaco Van Dormael · writer
- Cast and characters
- Jared Leto · Nemo Nobody; Sarah Polley · Elise; Diane Kruger · Anna; Linh Dan Pham · Jean; Rhys Ifans · Nemo's Father; Natasha Little · Nemo's Mother; Toby Regbo · Nemo (aged 15); Juno Temple · Anna (age 15)
- Genres
- science fiction; drama
- Themes
- choice; multiverse; fate; time; human condition
- Tone and mood
- experimental; philosophical; surreal
- Setting
- A multi-era journey spanning 2092, Montreal, and England.
- Premise and plot tags
- multiverse; non-linear narrative; sci-fi
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its screenplay, visual style, musical score, and cast performances, although its narrative structure sparked some debate.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 68% · scale: percentage · review count: 31; Metacritic · score: 63 · scale: 100 · review count: 10
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Osella · Outstanding Technical Contribution · win; André Cavens Award · best film · 2010 · win; Magritte Award · Best Film · 2012 · win; Magritte Award · Best Cinematography · 2012 · win; Magritte Award · Best Original Score · 2012 · win; Magritte Award · Best Editing · 2012 · win; Fonske Award · Best Film · 2010 · win; European Film Award · People's Choice Award for Best European Film · 2012 · win; Biografilm Award · Audience Award · 2010 · win; Volpi Cup · Best Actor · nomination; Golden Lion · Best Film · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was the most expensive Belgian film ever made.; The film's score was the last work of composer Pierre Van Dormael before his death.; The film's production was influenced by the works of photographer Martin Parr.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
Your lists
Loading your lists…