New Movies: A light that never goes out (2025) by Lauri-Matti Parppei
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A Light That Never Goes Out (2025) by Lauri-Matti Parppei: Harmony in Chaos: A Journey of Rediscovery
About
This Finnish-Norwegian dramedy, "Harmony in Chaos: A Journey of Rediscovery,"Â follows Pauli, a classical flutist facing a personal crisis, as he finds solace and inspiration in the unconventional world of experimental music and a quirky, supportive community. The film is a warm, humorous, and hopeful exploration of friendship, creativity, and finding purpose beyond perfection.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28865633/
Link Review: https://icsfilm.org/festivals/cannes/2025-cannes/cannes-2025-review-a-light-that-never-goes-out-lauri-matti-parppei/
Link to watch (professional screening): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/a-light-that-never-goes-out-1
Release Date on Streaming
No official streaming release date has been announced yet. Streaming availability typically follows a theatrical or festival run.
Theatrical Release
World Premiere:Â ACID Cannes 2025 (May 2025)
Further theatrical release dates in Finland, Norway, and other territories are yet to be announced.
Detailed Summary
"A Light That Never Goes Out" centers on Pauli, a successful classical flutist whose life takes a drastic turn after a breakdown, leading him to return to his childhood home in a small Finnish town. Struggling with the inability to play his instrument and a profound sense of failure, Pauli encounters Iiris, an eccentric old classmate who is deeply immersed in creating experimental music. Despite their vastly different approaches to music – Pauli's pursuit of perfection in classical forms versus Iiris's embrace of chaotic, noise-art experiments – a unique bond forms. Iiris encourages Pauli to re-engage with music, leading him to discover a new, liberating form of expression within her "paramilitary noise art collective." The film chronicles Pauli's journey as he navigates old pressures, finds comfort in unconventional artistic collaborations, and ultimately faces crucial decisions about his future and the friendships that have reignited his hope. The film thoughtfully intertwines themes of mental health, artistic freedom, and the unexpected joy found in community.
Plot Summary
A Professional Crisis:Â Pauli, a gifted classical flutist, experiences a severe breakdown, forcing him to return to his quiet hometown.
Loss of Musical Identity:Â Unable to play his instrument, Pauli struggles with feelings of inadequacy and a lost sense of purpose.
An Unlikely Encounter:Â He reconnects with Iiris, an old schoolmate who is now a quirky experimental musician.
Drawn to Chaos:Â Despite his classical background, Pauli is fascinated by Iiris's chaotic energy and unconventional music.
Finding New Harmony:Â Iiris persuades Pauli to collaborate, and he begins to find comfort and renewed inspiration in their bizarre sonic experiments.
The Power of Connection:Â Together with another band member, Sini, Pauli finds a sense of belonging and a new perspective on art and life.
Facing the Future:Â As past anxieties resurface, Pauli must make difficult choices about his career and personal life, guided by the newfound hope and friendships.
Director's Vision
Lauri-Matti Parppei, drawing from his own experiences in small-town Finnish music scenes, aims to craft a "joyous ode to amateur musicians and the fun to be had in making art with your friends."Â His vision emphasizes the healing power of art and friendship, even when tackling heavy topics like depression and self-harm. Parppei seeks to portray the creative process with warmth, humor, and a raw spontaneity, with all musical performances recorded live. He hopes audiences will leave feeling inspired, thinking, "I could do that," and perhaps be moved to pursue their own artistic endeavors. The film deliberately contrasts Pauli's perfectionism with Iiris's embrace of chaos, showing how two seemingly disparate worlds can find harmony.
Themes
Healing Through Art:Â The film explores how music and artistic creation can be a powerful therapeutic tool for overcoming personal struggles and finding solace. Pauli's journey demonstrates how engaging with art, even in unconventional ways, can lead to emotional recovery.
The Joy of Creation vs. The Pressure of Perfection:Â A central theme is the tension between the pursuit of artistic perfection, often tied to external validation, and the pure, unadulterated joy of creating for its own sake. Pauli's classical background contrasts with Iiris's experimental approach, highlighting this dichotomy.
Friendship and Belonging:Â The development of Pauli's relationships with Iiris and Sini is crucial. Their bond offers him a sense of community and acceptance, showing how supportive connections can provide purpose and alleviate feelings of isolation.
Embracing Imperfection and Chaos:Â The film champions the beauty found in the imperfect and the unconventional. Iiris's noise art, initially jarring to Pauli, becomes a source of liberation and a metaphor for embracing life's unpredictable nature.
Rural vs. Urban/Traditional vs. Modern:Â The setting in a quiet, old-fashioned Finnish town serves as a backdrop against which the clash of classical and experimental music, and Pauli's internal struggle, are played out. It subtly emphasizes the contrast between established norms and innovative approaches.
Mental Health and Recovery:Â While presented with humor and warmth, the film addresses themes of depression and self-harm, showcasing a journey of recovery and the importance of finding hope and support during difficult times.
Key Success Factors
Relatable Character Arc: Pauli's struggle with mental health and artistic identity is highly relatable, resonating with anyone who has faced burnout or a crisis of purpose.
Unique Blend of Genres:Â The "comedy-drama" and "music" elements, particularly the juxtaposition of classical and noise art, offer a fresh and engaging cinematic experience.
Strong Performances: The effectiveness of the film will heavily rely on the chemistry and nuanced performances of Samuel Kujala as Pauli and Anna Rosaliina Kauno as Iiris, bringing the characters' quirks and emotional depths to life.
Authentic Musicality: The commitment to live musical performances adds a layer of raw authenticity and immersion, making the audience believe in the characters' artistic journey.
Positive Messaging: Despite tackling serious themes, the film's underlying message of hope, healing, and the power of human connection is a strong draw for audiences seeking uplifting stories.
Director's Personal Connection:Â Lauri-Matti Parppei's personal experience with making unconventional music in a small town lends an authentic voice and genuine passion to the storytelling.
Summary Short
After a breakdown, a classical flutist finds unexpected solace and inspiration in a small-town experimental music collective, learning to embrace chaos and discover a new purpose through friendship and unconventional art.
Awards and Nominations
"A Light That Never Goes Out"Â has been selected for the ACID Cannes Official Selection 2025, marking its world premiere at a prestigious international film festival. This early recognition is a significant achievement for a debut feature film.
Critics Reception
As of May 23, 2025, with its world premiere at ACID Cannes 2025, critical reviews are emerging.
ICS Film (International Cinephile Society):Â ICS Film describes "A Light That Never Goes Out"Â as "a joyous ode to amateur musicians and the fun to be had in making art with your friends." They commend Lauri-Matti Parppei's debut for its charming portrayal of how music brings unlikely friends together. The review highlights the film's "lived-in quality" of its setting and musical world, finding humor in the contrast between Pauli's perfectionism and Iiris's chaotic artistry, and the quiet town they inhabit. ICS Film praises the film's impressive weaving of a melancholic strain through Pauli's depression, noting how the music helps him rediscover joy. Special credit is given to the sound design and strong character work by Samuel Kujala and Anna Rosaliina Kauno, calling the latter "delightfully spiky and unpredictable." Overall, ICS Film views it as a "breezy tale of music and uncertain youth" that reminds viewers of the power of art and friendship.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception:Â Early critical reception is highly positive, highlighting the film's charming narrative, authentic musicality, strong performances, and its ability to blend humor with deeper emotional themes. Critics appreciate its fresh take on musical genres and its uplifting message.
Reviews
As the film has just premiered, widespread audience reviews are not yet available. However, the positive critical reception from its Cannes premiere suggests a strong foundation for positive audience engagement. The themes of personal struggle, artistic discovery, and the importance of community are likely to resonate widely.
Overall Summary of Reviews:Â (To be determined as more audience reviews become available after wider release.)
Box Office
"A Light That Never Goes Out"Â is a recent premiere, and detailed box office information is not yet available. As an independent film from Finland and Norway, and selected for the ACID section at Cannes, it is likely to have a more modest theatrical release, focusing on art-house cinemas and film festivals initially, before potentially moving to streaming platforms.
Production
"A Light That Never Goes Out"Â is a Finnish-Norwegian co-production, serving as the feature film debut for director Lauri-Matti Parppei. The film emphasizes authenticity in its musical performances, with all music recorded live. The production team aimed to capture a raw spontaneity to align with the film's themes of unconventional art.
Production Companies:
Made (Finland)
Goodtime Pictures (Norway)
Sales Companies
Patra Spanou Film (Operates internationally): Patra Spanou Film is handling the international sales for "A Light That Never Goes Out."
Distribution Companies
Currently, specific distribution companies for its theatrical release are not widely announced beyond its festival run. As an independent film, distribution details often emerge closer to wider release.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Uplifting and Hopeful:Â It offers a genuinely optimistic and heartwarming story about overcoming adversity and finding joy, which can be a much-needed escape.
Unique Artistic Journey:Â The exploration of experimental noise music juxtaposed with classical music provides a fresh and intriguing perspective on artistic expression.
Relatable Human Story:Â Pauli's struggles with mental health and finding his place resonate with many, making his journey of rediscovery deeply empathetic.
Humor and Heart:Â The film blends comedic elements with sincere emotional depth, creating a well-rounded and engaging viewing experience.
Discovery of New Talent:Â It showcases the promising directorial debut of Lauri-Matti Parppei and strong performances from a talented cast.
Why to Watch Movie
For Music Lovers:Â Especially those interested in diverse musical genres and the creative process, as the film celebrates music in all its forms, from classical to experimental.
For Those Seeking Inspiration:Â The narrative of finding hope and purpose after a setback is incredibly inspiring and offers a positive outlook on overcoming challenges.
If You Appreciate Independent Cinema:Â This film embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking, offering a unique voice and a story that might not fit conventional molds.
To Experience Nordic Storytelling:Â Get a taste of Finnish and Norwegian filmmaking, often characterized by a blend of quirky humor, melancholic undertones, and a strong sense of place.
For a Feel-Good Film with Substance:Â It's a movie that leaves you feeling good, but also provides food for thought on important themes like mental well-being and the meaning of art.
What Movie Trend film is following
Authentic Musical Storytelling with Live Performances:Â "A Light That Never Goes Out" aligns with a growing trend in filmmaking that prioritizes authenticity in musical scenes. Rather than relying on pre-recorded tracks or lip-syncing, the film's commitment to live musical performances adds a raw, immersive quality, blurring the lines between cinematic narrative and a live concert experience. This trend seeks to capture the genuine energy and spontaneity of music creation, making the audience feel more connected to the characters' artistic journeys.
What Big Social Trend is following
Destigmatization of Mental Health and Embracing Vulnerability:Â The film directly addresses themes of mental breakdown and depression, portraying Pauli's struggles and journey towards healing with warmth and nuance. This aligns with a significant social trend of increased openness and efforts to destigmatize mental health issues. By showcasing a protagonist who finds solace and recovery through unconventional means and supportive relationships, the film contributes to normalizing conversations around mental well-being and highlights the importance of seeking connection and self-acceptance. It emphasizes that vulnerability can lead to strength and unexpected avenues for personal growth.
Final Verdict
"A Light That Never Goes Out"Â is a charming, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting debut that transcends its potentially heavy themes with warmth, humor, and a genuine celebration of creativity and human connection. Lauri-Matti Parppei crafts a poignant and inspiring narrative that reminds us that sometimes, the light we're seeking isn't in perfection, but in the harmonious chaos of self-discovery and shared artistry. Its early recognition at Cannes is well-deserved, marking it as a promising and resonant independent film of 2025.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Embrace Authenticity:Â Don't shy away from live performances or raw, unpolished elements if they serve the story's emotional core. Authenticity resonates deeply with audiences.
Find Your Unique Voice:Â Drawing from personal experiences, as Parppei did, can inject a film with a distinct and genuine perspective that sets it apart.
Balance Tone:Â Effectively blending humor with serious themes (like mental health) can create a more accessible and impactful film, preventing it from becoming overly didactic or depressing.
Invest in Sound Design:Â Especially for music-centric films, meticulous sound work can elevate the viewing experience and immerse the audience in the characters' world.
Prioritize Character-Driven Narratives:Â Even with compelling themes, strong, relatable characters are key to drawing audiences in and sustaining their engagement.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Diverse Storytelling:Â Continue to champion and fund films from emerging filmmakers and those telling unique, culturally specific stories that offer fresh perspectives.
Promote Mental Health Awareness:Â Recognize the growing societal importance of mental health and encourage films that explore these themes sensitively and constructively, contributing to destigmatization.
Nurture Independent and Art-House Cinema:Â These films often push creative boundaries and offer narratives that enrich the cinematic landscape, deserving dedicated distribution and exhibition opportunities.
Embrace Festival Circuits:Â Festivals like Cannes provide crucial platforms for independent films to gain initial exposure, critical acclaim, and secure distribution deals.
Explore Hybrid Release Strategies:Â For independent films, a strategic blend of festival runs, limited theatrical releases, and targeted streaming distribution can maximize reach and audience engagement.