The Wolf Mystery-Suden arvoitus (2006)

Directed by: Raimo O. Niemi | 90 minutes | drama, adventure, family | Actors: Tiia Talvisara, Janne Saksela, Vuokko Hovatta, Miia Nuutila, Kari-Pekka Toivonen, Peter Franzén, Ville Haapasalo, Pekka Huotari, Juha Kukkonen, Eero Milonoff

Finland, or Suomi, as the Finns say is a cold country. There is snow for much of the year and temperatures can drop to -30˚ Celsius, or more. Another characteristic of the vast country is that there is a lot of natural beauty, which for the most part consists of forests and many lakes and rivers. This is the landscape in which the story of Salla and the wolves takes place. It produces eye-pleasing pictures here and there, of course with a lot of snow.

Salla has her own snowmobile, with which she cruises everywhere, she is actually too young, but her stepfather is one of the local policemen and turns a blind eye to it. Salla is mature for her age and strong anyway. That’s how she meets Matias. When he is bullied by boys at school, she intervenes harshly by peppering the attackers with snow. Fortunately, Matias still gets enough opportunities in the film to show that he is not a wimp. When he helps Salla with the wolves, a close friendship develops between them, “but we’re not going to kiss!” Salla assures him. Maybe later, when they grow up.

The friendship between the two almost teenagers is a beautiful fact in the film. Fortunately, it somewhat disproves the prejudice that children nowadays all have and/or want sex so early. The tenderness between the two young actors is beautifully played, believable and never gets sentimental. It is nice to see how Salla has really matured halfway through the film. Perhaps also a credit to the make-up and costume department, but also to acting and directing. Of course, the returning Laila will also play a part in the story, which is well put together. Salle struggles to get to know her real mother, and events help her make that decision. All loose ends come together nicely at the end.

The whole is made for children, but is never childish. The actors all take their roles seriously and because of the different lines and layers the story is not too one-dimensional or too simple. A few times the magic of the child who can “communicate” with the wolves is touched upon and it could have steered the film in the direction of a fairy tale or some kind of legend, but that doesn’t happen. Everyone keeps their feet on the ground, which may be a bit disappointing from the title’s point of view. Nevertheless, the scenes with the wolves are heartwarming and it is a fun story, which is not too complicated, but still contains enough layers to make it interesting and exciting for young and old.