Lights in the Dusk 2007

As nightwatchman Koistinen (actor name) trudges through the desolate hours, he finds himself isolated in more ways than one - his attempts at socialization met with chilly indifference by his manager and condescending ridicule from his colleagues. The only respite comes in the form of Aila, a sympathetic grill vendor who lends an ear to Koistinen’s dreams of entrepreneurship, and Mirja, a mysterious woman who shows a fleeting interest in his company. But as Koistinen becomes increasingly enthralled by Mirja, he finds himself caught up in a web of deceit and manipulation.

The first signs of trouble emerge when Koistinen, moved by the plight of a neglected dog, confronts its owners at a local pub - only to be met with violence. Despite this setback, Koistinen’s romantic ambitions persist, and he and Mirja embark on a series of awkward dates that ultimately culminate in her mocking him at a concert. Yet, Koistinen remains oblivious to the warning signs, even as Aila grows increasingly disillusioned with his presence.

Meanwhile, Lindholm, a cunning mastermind, orchestrates a scheme to exploit Koistinen’s gullibility. He informs his cohorts of an “open-door day” at the mall, setting the stage for a grand heist. As Koistinen’s business plans are repeatedly thwarted - first by a harsh rejection from the bank, then by Mirja’s sudden abandonment of their relationship - he begins to drink away his sorrows.

It is in this state of vulnerability that Mirja makes her move, feigning concern for Koistinen’s well-being as she insinuates herself into his life. As they drive through the night, Koistinen’s keys and security code at the ready, the stage is set for a dramatic confrontation that will leave only devastation in its wake.

As the authorities close in, Koistinen (character) is subjected to a grueling interrogation, only to feign intoxication and claim he was alone at the time. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, the authorities are forced to release him due to procedural shortcomings. However, his employer is not so lenient, firing Koistinen from his job on the spot. It’s Mirja who then orchestrates a clandestine meeting with Koistinen at his apartment, surreptitiously planting incriminating evidence as Lindholm looks on. Koistinen notices her subterfuge but chooses to remain complicit, allowing himself to be apprehended by the police and subsequently sentenced to two years in prison.

The isolation of prison life proves a crushing blow to Koistinen’s spirit, with even Aila’s letters failing to lift his spirits. As he begins to establish some modicum of connection with his fellow inmates, fate intervenes, releasing him from custody early on parole. He finds temporary solace at a night shelter, taking up a job as a dishwasher in a local restaurant. A chance encounter with Aila rekindles their bond, and she expresses her admiration for his refusal to surrender hope. As they part ways, Koistinen reveals his ambition to establish a garage once he’s back on his feet, an endeavor that seems to buoy his spirits.

Meanwhile, Lindholm’s machinations come full circle when Koistinen crosses paths with the pair at the very same restaurant where he now works. However, instead of confronting them, he chooses to hold his tongue and bide his time. The consequences prove disastrous when Lindholm makes a phone call that results in Koistinen’s immediate termination from his job. Seething with resentment, Koistinen returns to the night shelter, emerging armed with a knife and a determination for retribution. As Mirja and Lindholm depart the restaurant, Koistinen launches a surprise attack on Lindholm, only to be thwarted by the businessman’s hired thugs. Reduced to tears and beaten senseless, the young thug who had earlier warned Koistinen stumbles upon Aila and together they discover Koistinen’s battered form alongside his loyal canine companion in the harbor, an act of heroism that had gone unnoticed until now. As Aila pleads with him not to give up the ghost, Koistinen places a reassuring hand on hers, his voice barely audible as he whispers, “I won’t die yet.”