A Moment in the Reeds (2017) is a Finnish romantic drama film written and directed by Mikko Mรคkelรค. It is a tender and introspective story that explores themes of love, identity, and the intersection of cultural and personal differences. Set in the serene Finnish countryside, the film is one of the first Finnish features to focus on a gay love story, making it a significant milestone in Finnish LGBTQ+ cinema.
The film follows Leevi (Janne Puustinen), a young Finnish man who has been living in Paris while pursuing his studies in literature. Leevi returns to Finland during the summer to help his father, Jouko (Mika Melender), renovate their family lake house, which they plan to sell. Leeviโs relationship with his father is strained, as Jouko represents the conservative, traditional values that Leevi has distanced himself from while living abroad.
During the renovation, Jouko hires Tareq (Boodi Kabbani), a Syrian refugee, to assist with the work. Tareq, who fled war-torn Syria, is now trying to build a new life in Finland. When Jouko leaves the lake house for a few days, Leevi and Tareq are left alone. As they work together, they begin to open up to each other, sharing their personal stories, struggles, and dreams.
Their conversations soon lead to an intense romantic connection, and they spend a magical and intimate time together exploring their emotions, desires, and vulnerabilities. However, their romance is set against the backdrop of societal and cultural pressuresโLeeviโs conflict with his father and Tareqโs struggle as a refugee in a foreign landโcasting a shadow over their time together.
A Moment in the Reeds was well-received by critics and audiences, particularly within the LGBTQ+ film community. It was praised for its tender storytelling, strong performances, and its groundbreaking portrayal of a gay relationship in Finnish cinema. Critics highlighted the filmโs quiet, naturalistic style and its ability to convey deep emotions without excessive dialogue or melodrama.
The film also gained attention for its focus on a refugee character, offering a nuanced perspective on the refugee crisis while intertwining it with a universal love story. However, some viewers noted the filmโs slow pace and minimalistic approach as potential drawbacks for those seeking a more action-driven narrative.