GRACIOUS NIGHT / YÖ ARMAHTAA

On a deserted Walpurgis Night that is devoid of people due to the corona virus, physician Risto manages to score some wine at a bar of his friend Heikki, in order to dilute his worries over a marriage crisis. The men’s cosy evening takes an unexpected turn when an uninvited guest pops in and refuses to leave. Juhani, who introduces himself as a social worker, seems to have a much larger burden to carry than the two friends’ heart troubles put together.

„Directing with the improvisation technique entails the risk of the essence of the film being lost and therefore only true masters can afford it. Gracious Night proves yet again that Mika Kaurismäki doubtlessly is a true master.”
Elise Eimre, Tallin Black Nights Film Festival 2020