Crime and Punishment

Antti Rahikainen kills a man at the slaughterhouse, ending the routine of his day. The act immediately introduces danger into his life. A catering-service witness, Eeva Laakso, arrives to set up a party and becomes the only witness, but she refuses to call the police and tells Rahikainen to leave.

Police begin to hunt Rahikainen as he dodges work and wanders Helsinki. A newspaper article about the murder surfaces, drawing public attention. His colleague urges him to take the week off.

Rahikainen tracks down Eeva Laakso and asks her to meet after her shift. He tells her to remember the words 'Silver Lining Hostel', hinting at something she will recall. The encounter underscores his intent and willingness to control the narrative around the murder.

Rahikainen returns home to find he has been subpoenaed for the murder. The looming legal threat increases the pressure on him and ties him to the case.

At the police station the next day, Rahikainen is questioned about his whereabouts and his link to Kari Honkanen. He reveals that Honkanen killed his fiancée in a drink-driving crash three years earlier and escaped punishment, fueling his vow of revenge.

Eeva arrives at the station but again does not identify Rahikainen as the killer, forcing the police to release him. The case remains unresolved for the moment.

Rahikainen and Eeva meet on a ferry at night, where he confesses that he killed Honkanen because he found him disgusting. He says he wanted to show that things are more complicated than people think. The conversation deepens Rahikainen's conflict and intent.

Rahikainen plans to leave the country with a fake passport, and Eeva locates the gun in his apartment and pockets it, pulling herself deeper into his dangerous circle.

Heinonen, who has been spying on them through the walls, locks Eeva in a hotel room and threatens to go to the police about Rahikainen unless she agrees to marry him. She escapes by threatening him with the gun.

Heinonen goes to confront Rahikainen but is struck by a tram and dies, removing one of the pursuing threats. The tragedy deepens the peril surrounding Rahikainen.

Inspector Pennanen continues to suspect Rahikainen, but another man confesses to the murder and is charged, allowing Rahikainen to be released. The legal case loses its central focus, at least temporarily.

With a fake passport ready, Rahikainen plans to board the night ferry to Stockholm. A final glimpse of Eeva on the quay convinces him to turn himself in instead and face his past.

Rahikainen is sentenced to eight years in prison for the murder and its aftermath. He accepts the consequence of his actions and the life he has chosen.

While imprisoned, Rahikainen tells Eeva, 'I killed a louse and I became a louse myself.' The line expresses his guilt and the transformation born from violence. It serves as a bleak closure to his arc.