Fallen Leaves unfolds as a cinematic gem, a petite romantic comedy that delicately unwraps itself within the confines of simplicity. With a mere 81-minute runtime, Finnish maestro Aki Kaurismäki crafts a tale akin to unwrapping a cherished Christmas present – a modest yet profoundly heartening experience. Set against a backdrop of minimalistic settings and featuring only two central characters, the film, like a carefully wrapped gift, manages to evoke a sense of yearning reminiscent of cinematic classics. In this brief cinematic interlude, Kaurismäki artfully captures the essence of emotion, leaving the audience with a warmth akin to the joy derived from uncovering a long-awaited surprise.
In Fallen Leaves, we traverse the narrative paths of Ansa (Alma Pöysti) and Holappa (Jussi Vatanen), two protagonists marred by the weariness of life’s struggles. Ansa, toiling in the aisles of a grocery store, finds solace in the pilfering of expired morsels, while Holappa, a construction worker battling his own demons, seeks refuge in the numbing embrace of alcohol.
Their destinies intertwine fleetingly in the dimly lit ambiance of a karaoke dive bar, an encounter that sets in motion the delicate choreography of their lives. Ansa, dismissed for purloining a yogurt cup of meager value, and Holappa, ousted for an inebriated misstep on the construction site, waltz through the harsh terrain of replacement employment. Yet, amid the harsh cadence of adversity, the threads of chance weave their fates together repeatedly. In this eloquent tableau, director Kaurismäki paints a poignant portrait of the human condition, where fleeting glances and fortuitous crossings propel our characters through the intricate tapestry of existence, creating a symphony of misfortune and happenstance.
Within the shadows of adversity, Ansa and Holappa emerge as radiant souls, their luminosity transcending the confines of societal classifications. Despite the weight of their circumstances, their innate decency illuminates them, rendering class labels inconsequential. Their allure persists, their eyes becoming portals to vast realms of mystery and emotion, enticing us to invest in the delicate dance of their potential romance. Kaurismäki stands as the vigilant guardian against even the faintest whisper of sentimentality that might seek refuge in the narrative. In his hands, the delicate balance is maintained, preventing the intrusion of mawkishness into this cinematic canvas where the beauty lies not only in the characters’ radiance but in the subtle dance of realism and grace.
Within Kaurismäki’s narrative sphere, emotion lingers as a subtle current, evoking a stoic elegance. Actors traverse the film with poker-faced precision, a deliberate detachment that borders on the robotic. Yet, from this clinical exterior, an unexpected resonance emerges, pulling at the viewer’s emotions and leaving an unanticipated lump in the throat. As we navigate the emotionally austere universe crafted by the director, an unspoken hope unfurls—a yearning for the convergence of two seemingly unyielding souls. Fallen Leaves, while not a boisterous comedy like its cinematic counterparts, elicits genuine laughter, attesting to its distinctively deadpan humor. This gentle, humane comedy, a testament to Kaurismäki’s storytelling finesse, holds the potential to resonate with a discerning arthouse audience open to embracing its unique charm.
At the core of Fallen Leaves, the dynamic performances of Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen infuse vitality into the narrative. Their portrayal of the tentative couple navigates the director’s distinctive sensibilities, creating a palpable beating heart within the film. Vatanen, particularly, captivates as the charming yet troubled soul, effortlessly garnering the viewer’s sympathy. Janne Hyytiäinen contributes a touch of droll humor as Vatanen’s co-worker, his one-liners resonating with the audience.
In this delicate interplay of poignant storytelling, Fallen Leaves gently reminds us that, even within the seemingly unfeeling expanse of existence, pockets of goodness persist. Like a quiet beacon, the film encourages viewers to acknowledge the enduring presence of kindness and compassion in our world—a subtle yet powerful force that prevails against the backdrop of life’s complexities.
Fallen Leaves will debut in select theaters on November 17, 2023, courtesy of MUBI.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7n8IXlIcS4]
In this delicate interplay of poignant storytelling, Fallen Leaves gently reminds us that, even within the seemingly unfeeling expanse of existence, pockets of goodness persist.
Codie Allen is a passionate trans and queer film critic and entertainment writer based in Orlando, FL. A Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, Dorian Awards member, and CACF member, they also contribute to The Curb and InSession Film. When they’re not writing about films, you can find them sipping way too much tea and listening to Taylor Swift.
