Lights in the Dusk

Koistinen is established as a lonely nightwatchman tasked with overseeing a shopping mall. He frequently faces indifference from his manager and mockery from his colleagues, highlighting his isolation in the workplace.

One evening, while drinking alone, Koistinen attracts the attention of a group of criminals led by Lindholm. Their interest in him sets the stage for a series of events that will dramatically alter his life.

Koistinen finds solace in his connection with Aila, a grill vendor at the mall. They share dreams of starting a business together, forming a brief emotional refuge amidst his struggles.

During a shift, Koistinen notices a dog left outside a pub without water, stirring his compassion. This event shows his caring nature and sets him on a path to confront its negligent owners.

Koistinen's date with Mirja proves awkward and filled with discomfort, as they barely converse during a concert. This emphasizes his ongoing struggle to connect with others, contrasting his yearning for companionship.

After learning of the dog’s abusive owners from a boy, Koistinen bravely confronts them outside the pub. His attempt to stand up for the dog results in a violent attack against himself.

Desperate to get funding for his business, Koistinen faces harsh rejection from a bank due to his lack of qualifications. This setback contributes to his feelings of helplessness and desperation.

Mirja's true intentions are revealed when she memorizes the mall’s security codes during a visit to Koistinen at work. This critical moment hints at her alarming connection with Lindholm and foreshadows the impending betrayal.

Koistinen is unwittingly drawn into a robbery orchestrated with the help of his own keys. After being drugged by Mirja, he is rendered powerless while criminals exploit his knowledge of the mall's security system.

After the heist, Koistinen is questioned by the police but insists on his innocence, citing intoxication. Despite his claims, he is dismissed from his job, marking a significant downfall in his life.

Under Lindholm's direction, Mirja plants incriminating evidence against Koistinen, leading to his arrest. He notices her suspicious behavior but is too late to act, resulting in a swift condemnation.

Koistinen struggles with loneliness and despair during his one-year prison sentence. He tears up a letter from Aila, grappling with the consequences of the betrayal he endured.

After a year, Koistinen is unexpectedly released on parole. As he seeks stability, he starts working as a dishwasher and meets Aila again, which brings a glimmer of hope amidst his struggles.

Upon seeing Mirja and Lindholm at his workplace, Koistinen chooses not to confront them initially. However, Lindholm uses this chance to ruin Koistinen’s employment by exposing his criminal past.

In a fit of rage, Koistinen retrieves a knife and goes after Lindholm but is quickly subdued by thugs instead. As they deliberate his fate, Lindholm’s business psyche ultimately saves Koistinen from death.

A young boy who witnessed Koistinen being attacked alerts Aila, who finds him severely beaten but still conscious at the harbor. As she offers to get help, he assures her with a comforting promise of survival.