Fallen Leaves 2023

In the vibrant city of Helsinki, the story unfolds with Ansa (Alma Pöysti), who balances her mundane zero-hour contract at a supermarket, where she spends her days apathetically shelving products. Outside of her work life, Ansa faces an equally bleak reality, mirroring her emotional detachment. On the other side, Holappa (Jussi Vatanen), a sandblaster grappling with profound despair, seeks solace in alcohol while on the job, escaping the weight of his troubled existence.

One night, their coworker and friend Huotari (Janne Hyytiäinen) makes a proposition to visit a karaoke bar, which initially evokes hesitation from Holappa. However, as the evening unfolds and whiskey invigorates the atmosphere, Huotari overcomes his shyness and takes center stage, singing his heart out. Amidst this, Liisa (Nuppu Koivu), sipping cocktails with Ansa, becomes captivated by Huotari’s performance. In a moment of shared loneliness, Ansa and Holappa exchange meaningful glances. As parting time approaches, Ansa gazes back longingly at Holappa, who remains slumped against the curb, shrouded in thought.

As fate would have it, Ansa’s life takes a downward turn when her decision to steal expired goods leads to her dismissal from the supermarket. Struggling financially, she reluctantly accepts a low-paying job at a bar. However, on her second day, her boss is also arrested, leaving Ansa yet again without a steady paycheck.

A pivotal encounter occurs when Holappa surprises her with a coffee and pastry; their walk through the city sparks a reconnection. They bond over watching The Dead Don’t Die at the cinema, a shared experience that slightly closes the distance between them. Ansa scribbles her phone number on a piece of paper but omits revealing her identity, leaving Holappa puzzled.

Days pass, and Ansa finds herself increasingly disheartened, yearning for the phone call that never arrives. Meanwhile, Holappa repeatedly returns to the cinema, desperately hoping to see Ansa again. Yet, his careless actions catch up to him when he injures himself at work and is subsequently fired after failing a breathalyzer test.

As Holappa’s situation worsens, he becomes homeless, spending nights on benches and taking on erratic construction jobs. In contrast, Ansa is resolute in her pursuit to rebuild her life, even as her past comes creeping back. Their paths eventually cross again outside the cinema, where Ansa graciously invites him over for dinner. The evening starts pleasantly, but it takes a turn when Holappa’s hidden vice surfaces, prompting Ansa to lash out, forcing him back onto the streets once more.

After another arduous day at work, Ansa’s life unexpectedly shifts when she rescues a scruffy homeless dog, whom she names Chaplin. Meanwhile, Holappa, longing for Ansa, musters the courage to apologize and heads to her home for a reconciliatory meeting. Tragically, fate intervenes, and en route to meet Ansa, Holappa is struck by a train, leaving her anxiously waiting for news that will not come.

As days turn into weeks, Ansa’s initial concern morphs into deep worry. While strolling with Chaplin in the park, she unexpectedly encounters Huotari, who informs her of the heartbreaking news: Holappa is in a coma, teetering on the edge of survival. Resolute and undeterred, Ansa dedicates her time to visiting him at the hospital, reading aloud and chatting with him, as if he can still hear her, demonstrating her profound affection for this enigmatic man.

Parallel to Ansa’s evolving connection with Holappa, Huotari bravely pursues his own affections for Liisa, aware that their age difference presents a significant challenge. As these visits become the highlights of Ansa’s week, she unwittingly forges a bond with Holappa, oblivious to the monumental shift their eventual reunion will create in their lives.

Finally, the day arrives when Holappa opens his eyes after the prolonged coma. Instead of inquiring about Ansa, his first question revolves around Chaplin’s name, signaling a profound link that transcends words and encapsulates their intertwined journeys—a connection illuminated by shared struggles and newfound beginnings.