‘Fallen Leaves’ Star Alma Pöysti Explains How Making the Deadpan Rom-Com Was ‘As Pure as Possible’

Taking place among the working class in Helsinki, the Finnish film “Fallen Leaves” resonates with the vibe of a previous era. It feels like a movie that’s not just set 30 years ago, but was made then, too. But it is, in fact, a modern-day
story — sort of.

“If you look, you can see there’s a calendar on the wall in the movie,” said Alma Pöysti, the movie’s exceptionally soulful lead actress. “And the calendar is for the year 2024. Isn’t that something fantastic? That is Aki Kaurismäki.” 

Kaurismäki is Finland’s most acclaimed filmmaker, a charmingly deadpan auteur of yearning and wistful romance.