Directed and written by Aki Kaurismäki (The Bohemian Life (1992); Le Havre (2011); The Man Without a Past (2002)) and starring Alma Pöysti (Four Little Adults (2023); A Day and a Half (2023); Tove (2020)), Martti Suosalo (The Rose of the Rascal (2001); The Mercenary soldier (1997); Jingle Bells (2022)) and Alina Tomnikov (Donna (2018); Deadwind (2018); Funeral for a Dog (2022)).
Drama; 81 mins; 12+
In Finnish with English sub-titles, Kuolleet lehdet (Fallen Leaves) is the fourth instalment of Aki Kaurismäki's Proletariat trilogy, following Shadows in Paradise (1986), Ariel (1988), and The Match Factory Girl (1990).
Set in modern-day Helsinki, it follows two lonely people, both of whom are scraping a living despite not having any qualifications. Ansa (Alma Pöysti) works as a cleaner, then in the kitchen of a restaurant whose owner is decidedly dodgy. After getting the sack, along with Tonja (Alina Tomnikov), a former work colleague - one could not really call them friends - they visit a karaoke bar where Ansa is stuck with Raunio (Martti Suosalo).
Conversation between them is limited - as it is throughout the film - and he invites her for a coffee. Then to see a film. When she gives him her number - but not her name - he loses the scrap of paper almost immediately.
Meanwhile, his situation starts to unravel. He loses his job - which comes with accommodation - after being caught drinking on the job. Until he finds another job he is effectively homeless.
Meanwhile, Ansa - who has her own sparsely-furnished apartment left to her by her aunt - takes in a stray dog...
A well-structured drama about two "lost souls" looking for something, but not knowing what it is they seek. Short on dialogue but with an interesting soundtrack, the audience can resonate with the characters and hope that they can find happiness.
Cureently screening at Ciné Utopia and CiNextDoor.
