Finnish director Samppa Batal explores the bittersweet dance of love in ‘Apple Thieves’
Embracing the melancholy in romance
Finnish director Samppa Batal delves into the intricate interplay of sadness and romance in his latest film, Apple Thieves. Set against the backdrop of Helsinki, Batal describes his creation as a romantic dramedy. He believes that acknowledging sadness in relationships is crucial, as it is an inevitable part of the human experience. “Problems arise when we refuse to admit it,” he reflects. “I’ve learned to embrace it and live through it, and it doesn’t feel that bad.”
A pandemic love story
Premiering at the Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy, Apple Thieves introduces us to Sebe (Joel Hirvonen), who is navigating the tumultuous waters of a breakup during the pandemic. Forced out by his friends, he encounters Satu (Satu Tuuli Karhu). Despite the barriers of masks and social distancing, sparks fly between them. However, both are hesitant to embark on a new relationship.
Characters shaped by fear and loss
Batal emphasizes the depth of his characters, shaped by their fears and past experiences. “Sebe has lost his self-respect, and Satu hasn’t realized she lost hers as well,” he explains. “They share the same story but are not in the same place.” The director encouraged improvisation on set, allowing the actors to bring their own nuances to the dialogue. “I wrote the dialogues, but not every line. It was something we could create together.”
Personal reflections and vulnerabilities
Batal’s personal experiences and insecurities are woven into the fabric of the film. “Joel would probably say that sometimes, he’s playing Samppa,” he admits. The film also touches on the often-taboo subject of how men view their bodies. “We are supposed to be tough. In Apple Thieves, we show a man at his most vulnerable.”
The intoxicated camaraderie
The film also captures the Finnish culture of social drinking. “I’ve been drunk a few times in my life, and during some of these times, I remember thinking: ‘I would like to see a film where everyone is drunk,'” Batal jokes. The scenes of intoxicated camaraderie are both fun to create and watch, reflecting how people in Finland often bond over drinks.
Heartbreak and resilience
Batal poignantly portrays the devastation of a breakup, especially for young adults. “When you break up as a 20-year-old, it’s the end of the world. Everything is gray, and you see no future. Together, we can find the strength to carry on – even until the next morning.”
An ode to the mundane
Apple Thieves is a tribute to films where “nothing really happens” yet everything does. Batal wanted to capture the essence of a night out that leaves you with unforgettable memories. “I wanted it to feel like that kind of night out when in the morning you say: ‘Remember when we met this guy on the street? Who the hell was that?!'”
Independent filmmaking in challenging times
Following his 2022 film Timeman, Apple Thieves is another independent project for Batal, made without the support of the Finnish Film Foundation. The pandemic forced him to adapt and seize the moment. “I thought it would be my last independent project, but looking at what our government is doing [announcing budget cuts for culture], it probably won’t be.”
The freedom of low-budget filmmaking
Batal argues that smaller budgets can lead to greater creative freedom. “The bigger the budget, the more compromises I actually had to make. The way people approach independent film in Finland is that the less money there is, the fewer possibilities you get. That’s not my experience. It’s about finding the right partners and making sure no one’s in a hurry to get home.”
A potential sequel
Inspired by Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Batal is considering a sequel to Apple Thieves. “I almost shot a sequel at one point. I’m still thinking about it.”
Watch the trailer
For a glimpse into the world of Apple Thieves, check out the trailer.
Apple Thieves is set to be released locally in November, offering a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the moments that define us.