Directed by Marc Forster and written by David Magee, The Worst Neighbor in the World is a comedy-drama starring Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, and Rachel Keller. Adapted from the novel by Fredrik Backman, the film follows a lonely widower confronted with the arrival of a new family in his neighborhood. Released in theaters in 2023, it will be available in France on Netflix on December 1, 2025.
Otto Anderson has led a life marked by isolation since the death of his wife. Discouraged and withdrawn, his daily routine is disrupted by the arrival of a family who moves in across the street. Marisol, the neighbor, gradually imposes her presence and upsets Otto's habits.
This encounter opens up an unexpected evolution in their relationships. Through their exchanges, Otto reevaluates his way of life, in an environment where neighborly relations play an essential role.
The film is the American adaptation of the best-selling novel A Man Called Ove. SF Studios, which produced the 2015 Swedish film, teamed up with Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks to develop this new version. Filming took place in Pittsburgh in a residential neighborhood characterized by semi-detached houses. The flashbacks feature Truman Hanks, chosen by Marc Forster for his physical resemblance to his younger father. Several sequences, including the meeting at the train station, were shot in Toledo, selected for its preserved architecture.
The story is a dramatic comedy centered on loneliness, personal reconstruction, and the dynamics of mutual aid between neighbors. The film is aimed at viewers who are sensitive to the journeys of characters marked by human relationships at the heart of everyday life.
Our opinion on The Worst Neighbor in the World:
You know the type: they waste your time at the supermarket checkout, they meddle in everything that's none of their business, and they bark at you at the slightest opportunity. Otto, the character played by Tom Hanks, is one of those grumpy seniors who annoy everyone with their unshakeable routine and tantrums. Yet behind the caricature lies a deeply sad and desperate man. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets Marisol, a quick-witted mother, leading to an unlikely friendship that will turn his world upside down.
This is where the film becomes truly touching. While one might expect a comedy full of good feelings, Marc For ster's feature film is much more subtle and nuanced than most films of its kind. First of all, witnessing Otto's multiple suicide attempts is an unexpected sight in a family comedy. But above all, the character proves to be truly touching as we learn more about him. In addition, Mariana Treviño, who plays Marisol, Otto's new neighbor, is a formidable actress, and her character is as funny as she is touching. She is the film's strong point.
Finally, we find ourselves moved as the film progresses. Ultimately, The Worst Neighbor in the World is more touching than funny and reveals a deep evil that eats away at the victims of loneliness. In fact, a prevention message is included in the end credits to raise awareness about the situation of people in despair.
The Worst Neighbor in the World
Film | 2023
On Netflix December 1, 2025
Comedy drama | Running time: 2 hours 7 minutes
By Marc Forster | Starring Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller
Original title: A Man Called Otto
Nationality: United States
The film depicts the gradual transformation of an isolated man, influenced by the arrival of a family that reorganizes his bearings and revives his relationship with others.
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