Aurora

The title character of Aurora is like a Finnish version of Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck leading lady. In order to get through the monotony of her everyday life, consisting of a job at a nail salon and disappointing nights out in Rovaniemi, Aurora dreams of a different and more exciting existence – in Norway. When she meets Iranian refugee Darian and his daughter, Aurora’s life gains a new purpose: They embark on a mission to find Darian a wife, so that he in turn will get a full residence permit. Surrounding them at all times is a gallery of secondary characters that could be taken straight from an Arto Paasillina novel.

Aurora is a highly entertaining and funny film. However, the care and respect that director Miia Tervos has for each of her characters shine through in every scene. Several brilliant performances – ranging from Aurora’s alcohol-drenched father to the sympathetic boss at the local emergency room – in combination with a striking Slavic soundtrack and an intensely colourful production design, all make Aurora one of the most charming features you can catch in cinemas this year.