Fallen Leaves

Ansa navigates her monotonous existence working a zero-hour contract at a supermarket in Helsinki. Each day, she shelves products apathetically, reflecting her emotional detachment from life outside of work.

Across town, Holappa, a sandblaster, battles his despair by turning to alcohol during work hours. His attempts to escape from the weight of his troubles reveal a deep-seated sadness that mirrors Ansa's own struggles.

One night, their coworker Huotari proposes a visit to a karaoke bar, much to Holappa's initial reluctance. However, as the night progresses and fueled by whiskey, Huotari gains the confidence to perform, captivating Ansa and igniting a meaningful connection between her and Holappa.

In a moment of desperation, Ansa steals expired items from work, an act that leads to her dismissal from the supermarket. This leaves her in a precarious financial situation, forcing her to accept a low-paying job at a bar, where misfortune strikes again when her boss gets arrested.

While encountering her misfortune, Holappa surprises Ansa with a thoughtful gesture of coffee and pastry. Their leisurely walk through the city helps rekindle their connection, culminating in a shared experience at the cinema watching *The Dead Don't Die*.

After their outing, Ansa longs for a phone call from Holappa but grows increasingly disheartened when he remains silent. Meanwhile, Holappa's repeated visits to the cinema reflect his hope to see her again, showcasing a mutual longing.

Holappa's life takes a turn for the worse when he injures himself on the job, leading to his firing after a failed breathalyzer test. Without a stable income, he ends up homeless, struggling for basic survival.

Despite her own challenges, Ansa perseveres in rebuilding her life, including an unexpected encounter with Holappa outside the cinema. However, their dinner evening takes a dark turn when Holappa's vice resurfaces, forcing Ansa to push him away again.

Ansa’s routine changes dramatically when she rescues a scruffy homeless dog and names him Chaplin. This newfound companionship brings joy amid her struggles despite the persistent shadow of her relationship with Holappa.

Holappa, longing to reconnect with Ansa, gathers the courage to apologize and heads to her home. Tragically, fate intervenes as he is struck by a train on his way, plunging Ansa into a state of awaiting uncertain news.

Days pass anxiously for Ansa until she runs into Huotari, who delivers the devastating news about Holappa being in a coma. This revelation shakes her world, prompting her to visit him with unwavering dedication and affection.

Ansa devotes her time to reading aloud and spending time with Holappa at the hospital, hoping he can hear her. These visits become a testament to her deepening feelings for him, as she shares parts of her life with the unresponsive man.

Unbeknownst to Ansa, Huotari is also navigating his own feelings for Liisa, despite the complications arising from their age difference. His journey intersects with Ansa's as they both seek connection amidst their struggles.

After weeks of waiting, Holappa finally opens his eyes, bringing hope back to Ansa’s heart. However, instead of asking for her, his first question relates to the dog's name, signaling a profound yet unconventional bond they've developed.