As a seasoned cinema connoisseur with a soft spot for the raw and authentic, “Apple Thieves” has undeniably captured my heart. Having navigated through the labyrinth of relationships myself, I find solace in the way Finnish director Samppa Batal effortlessly weaves sadness and romance into a captivating narrative that resonates deeply.
In “Apple Thieves,” a film directed by Finnish filmmaker Samppa Batal, he explores a melancholic perspective on love, where love is also found within the depths of sadness, all set in Helsinki.
“I see it as a romantic dramedy,” he says.
In my opinion, it’s important to accept sadness in our relationships as it is inevitable. Trouble arises when we try to deny or ignore it. Over time, I’ve learned to face it head-on and move forward, and surprisingly, it doesn’t feel as dreadful as expected.
At the Helsinki International Film Festival, where “Love & Anarchy” made its world debut (primarily in black-and-white), we find Joel Hirvonen’s character, Sebe, grappling with a heart-wrenching breakup amidst the pandemic. Earlier, it had been showcased at Finnish Film Affair, the festival’s industry event.
Due to being obliged to hang out with his pals, he encounters Satu (Satu Tuuli Karhu). There’s an immediate spark between them, noticeable even under their masks, yet they both harbor apprehension about embarking on something fresh and unfamiliar.
In a conversation with the actors, we delved deeply into their characters’ origins and what scares them most. Both Sebe and Satu have suffered a loss of self-worth, although Satu remains unaware of it. Despite sharing similar experiences, they are not in the same emotional state, as Batal points out. He advocated for improvisation both on set and prior to filming.
I penned down some parts of the dialogues, but not all of them. It was a collaborative effort. Perhaps, I frequently return to the theme of love because I feel there’s too little love expressed in our world or people are afraid to express it? Maybe I’m just trying to show more love, to everyone, including my partner and total strangers.
Batal, who collaborates with Tuomas Kohtamäki for Cinerain and Grade One, also shared some of his own personal feelings – or uncertainties.
Joel might often refer to himself as ‘Samppa’ in certain instances. Discussing the way men perceive their physical selves can be considered somewhat sensitive. Society typically portrays us as strong and unyielding. In ‘Apple Thieves,’ we delve into a man’s most exposed and vulnerable state.
At my most jovial, I, along with my loyal companions and new acquaintances we encounter, are all set for a night filled with camaraderie and shared drinks.
As a cinephile, there have been moments in my life when I’ve had a bit too much to drink, and on those occasions, I’d often find myself musing: “Wouldn’t it be fascinating to watch a movie where every character was tipsy?” It’s almost as if Andrey Zvyagintsev’s ‘Leviathan’ is a joke about such a scenario.
I found it enjoyable both to participate and observe, despite the challenge of convincingly portraying drunkenness. This is typically how Finns pass their leisure time. In my youth, work and friendships were separate entities, with little shared interests – apart from drinking.
But any company, even intoxicated, can come in handy – especially during heartbreak.
At age 20, when a relationship ends, it feels like the end of everything. The world seems drained of color, and there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. But together, we can muster the courage to move forward – even through the darkest hours, right up until tomorrow brings a new dawn.
“Ode to the Unassuming,” debuting its first trailer exclusively here, is set for local release in November. This film pays tribute to movies that may seem uneventful at a glance but are filled with profound happenings.
“I like them a lot,” admits Batal.
I’m aiming for an evening with that carefree, unpredictable vibe where you find yourself saying in the morning, ‘Do you recall the stranger we encountered on the street? I can’t even remember his name!’ There’s a touch of nostalgia as well, given my generation might be one of the last to act so spontaneously. It seems the following generations are more abstinent from alcohol.
In 2022, I’m proud to present “Apple Thieves,” my latest independent film venture that once again bypasses the backing of the Finnish Film Foundation.
He hasn’t definitively chosen to create films without financial backing, but due to the pandemic, everything was closed down, as he explained.
I initially assumed that this independent project was my final one, but with the current budget cuts in culture announced by our government, it seems unlikely. I can’t afford to wait for years; I prefer to act promptly. Just as a football player who doesn’t know the rules would understand, if you want to score and delay too long, you might miss the opportunity. The moment will slip away. My films wouldn’t have come into existence if I had waited.
Also, with great power – or budget – comes great responsibility, he argues.
A larger budget often requires more concessions, contrary to what many believe about independent filmmaking in Finland. While it’s true that limited funds can restrict possibilities, my experience has shown me that finding the right collaborators and taking time to ensure no one rushes the process is key. This project has been the most truthful I’ve ever undertaken, and it’s heartwarming that we’ve successfully completed it all.
In a similar vein as Richard Linklater did with the ‘Before’ series, there is a possibility that Batal may revisit his unconventional pair of characters someday.
“I almost shot a sequel to ‘Apple Thieves’ at one point. I’m still thinking about it.”
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2024-09-20 09:17