Aki Kaurismäki’s 2023 film “Fallen Leaves” is a tender exploration of love and connection in the face of life’s challenges. Set in contemporary Helsinki, the film follows the quiet journeys of two individuals, both grappling with loneliness and lost dreams.

We meet Ansa, a middle-aged woman who loses her job at a grocery store. With quiet determination, she navigates the uncertainties of unemployment while maintaining a dry wit and understated grace. In another part of the city, we encounter Holappa, a former security guard seeking redemption after a personal misstep. Their paths cross unexpectedly in a karaoke bar, their shared love for music sparking a hesitant connection.

Kaurismäki’s signature minimalist style imbues the film with a subtle beauty. Long takes and carefully composed shots allow the silences and unspoken emotions to resonate. The director masterfully utilizes everyday settings, transforming them into spaces of unspoken longing and quiet contemplation.

The narrative unfolds with a gentle rhythm, mirroring the tentative steps of the budding romance. Ansa and Waldemar’s encounters are filled with awkward pauses and unspoken desires, their vulnerabilities gradually revealed through small gestures and stolen glances. The film celebrates the power of human connection, suggesting that even amidst difficulties, hope and joy can emerge in unexpected ways. The film’s use of very dry humor also provided moments of relief and connection. Fallen leaves are a symbol for impermanence and the passage of time, as well as sudden change. This motif is displayed throughout this film.

“Fallen Leaves” is not a film for those seeking fast-paced action or dramatic plot twists. Its strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of human emotions and its ability to evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. Viewers seeking a thoughtful and emotionally resonant experience will find much to appreciate in Kaurismäki’s delicate creation.