Fallen Leaves

Fallen Leaves

Year: 2023

Runtime: 1 h 21 m

Language: Finnish

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

Echo Score: 84
ComedyDrama

In the bustling city of Helsinki, Alma and Jussi, both seeking connection, unexpectedly meet at a karaoke bar. Their pursuit of happiness takes a comedic turn, filled with relatable mishaps like lost phone numbers and incorrect addresses. A charming stray dog further complicates their journey as they experience the humorous challenges and unexpected joys of modern relationships and the search for love.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Fallen Leaves yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Fallen Leaves (2023)

Trace every key event in Fallen Leaves (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ansa's Daily Life

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.

Helsinki
2

Holappa's Struggles

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.

Helsinki
3

A Night Out at Karaoke

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.

Karaoke Bar
4

Ansa's Reckless Decision

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.

Supermarket
5

A Chance Reconnection

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*.

City of Helsinki
6

The Waiting Game

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.

Cinema
7

Holappa's Downward Spiral

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.

Construction Site
8

Ansa's Difficult Choices

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 Home
9

Adopting Chaplin

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.

Helsinki
10

Tragic Collision

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.

Train Tracks
11

Heartbreaking 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.

Hospital
12

Dedication to Holappa

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.

Hospital Room
13

Huotari's Pursuit of Love

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.

Helsinki
14

Awakening from Coma

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.

Hospital Room

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 17:44

Unlock the Full Story of Fallen Leaves

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Fallen Leaves Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Fallen Leaves, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Fallen Leaves Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fallen Leaves

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Fallen Leaves. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fallen Leaves

Fallen Leaves Ending Explained

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Fallen Leaves Ending Explained

Fallen Leaves Spoiler-Free Summary

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Fallen Leaves Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Fallen Leaves

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fallen Leaves: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Fallen Leaves

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