Recovering Alcoholic and Rational Daughter Bond Over Cemetery Work

A new Finnish documentary, "Sense and Sensibility," explores the extraordinary relationship between a recovering alcoholic mother and her rational daughter who both work at a cemetery. Produced by Helsinki-based Zone2 Pictures, the film follows the women as the mother's retirement begins to loom and a heart attack, coupled with the daughter's increasing exhaustion, changes their dynamic.

Carita, the mother, is an emotional and outgoing personality, while her daughter, Christa, is more logical and reserved. Since becoming sober, Christa has withdrawn from the world, finding solace in her work at the cemetery, her mother, and her rescue dogs. However, as Carita's retirement approaches and her health declines, Christa must confront the uncertainty of the future and decide whether she is ready to leave the safety of the cemetery and the life she has built there.

The film, which won the award for best documentary at the recent Finnish Film Affair, has been praised for its "clear vision" and "deeply human yet extraordinary theme." Director Hanna Nordenswan initially set out to make the film as a way to conquer her own fears about death, but the process has instead led her to reflect on her own relationship with her mother. "Sense and Sensibility" promises to portray death as a natural part of life, balancing comedic moments with strong stylistic choices.