Romantic comedies have become a dime a dozen. Fallen Leaves, is primed to invigorate a genre grown stale—and do it in the most deliciously glacial, unassuming way possible. The latest feature from renowned Finnish writer-director Aki Kaurismäki, whose sharp, deadpan writing, and distinctly sparse visual storytelling have made him a beloved figure in international cinema. Fallen Leaves is not only a deft combination of all of Kaurismäki’s best traits as a filmmaker, but it’s a damn good romantic comedy too, turning the innate exhaustion of being human into keenly constructed set dressing for one of the genre’s finest surprises this year. Set against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Kaurismäki combines political conflict, and its effects on working-class citizens, with quiet romance. Late one night, Ansa, who has just been laid off from her job as a supermarket stockist meets Holappa, an alcoholic metalworker, at a grungy karaoke bar. But even when Ansa and Holappa have yet to meet, Fallen Leaves is pure cinematic eye candy. —The Daily Beast