The Squirrel (2026)
Orava
Director: Markus Lehmusruusu
Cast: Miro Lopperi, Mimosa Willamo, Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Roderick Kabanga, Pirjo Heikkilä
Did you know? The film's squirrel was originally designed as a fully animatronic puppet, but the crew switched to a trained rescue squirrel for emotional close-ups after discovering real animals produced more nuanced reactions.
Why Watch: In a world sterilized by overprotection, *The Squirrel* is a tender, thought-provoking gem that dares to ask if happiness can thrive without a little wildness. This visually stunning Finnish fable pairs a poignant romance with a daring ecological rebellion, all hinging on the heart-wrenching irony of a creature wilting from kindness itself. Perfect for fans of *The Lobster* or *Wall-E*, it’s a must-watch for anyone craving a beautifully bittersweet story about love, loss, and the messy, essential nature of freedom.
In a world where real nature has faded into memory and every aspect of human happiness is managed with obsessive precision, Pasi—a solitary yet gentle creator of robotic animals—stumbles upon the last surviving squirrel on Earth. When he crosses paths with Emilia, a rigid enforcer of society’s wellness regulations, Pasi makes the risky choice to break the rules and protect the tiny creature. But reality takes an ironic turn: the squirrel sinks into despair, and Pasi unexpectedly finds himself falling in love.