Girl Picture Review: Alli Haapasalo’s Finnish Oscar Entry

A trio of teenagers navigate relationships in modern-day Helsinki girl photo, Finland’s entry for the Oscar for Best International Film. Directed by Alli Haapasalo (love and anger), it is a portrait of young women that is as refreshing as it is entertaining. To call it a “Finnish”. smart bookWon’t do its originality any favors, but coincidences happen when a witty lesbian and her straight friend try to help their love lives through a series of parties and fun encounters.

Sparkling, rebellious and funny Mimmi (Aamu Milonoff) lends her extroversion to Rönkkö (Eleonora Kauhanen), who is unsure about her sex life. But instead of the usual boy problems, she worries that she doesn’t like sex at all. It’s striking how rarely asexuality is discussed on screen, as Rönkkö wonders if she’s doing something wrong or just isn’t interested at all. Meanwhile, Mimmi meets and falls in love with Emma (Linnea Leino), a charming figure skater who previously struggled to fit romance into her grueling training schedule.

Unlike many queer teen films, this is not a coming-out story: Mimmi has family problems, but her sexuality is irrelevant. No one even labels their orientation. Ilona Ahti and Daniela Hakulinen’s screenplay is much more suited to real teenagers than some recent films – marginal characters, for example, find it funny to see someone still eating meat. And yet the skilful screenplay has much to offer older generations. “I’d rather see a live Disney movie than go to a party in the suburbs,” goes one dry, witty line.

The performances are great and the pacing works well, with pauses for thoughtful interludes between energetic party scenes. Thanks to Finland for choosing this Oscar: Comedy dramas about young women are not typical entries, but girl photo one wonders why. The light-hearted humor comes with a razor-sharp script, refined structure and visual flair, making it a confident and convincing contender.