Euthanizer (2018) REVIEW – Well Worth A Watch

Euthanizer review

Finnish director Teemu Nikki’s Euthanizer (Armomurhaaja) follows the story of grumpy antisocial mechanic Veijo, a man better known in his community for his side gig: taking people’s suffering pets away from them and putting them down. He charges less to euthanize these animals than the local vet, but it does come with an added cost. Veijo will give you his assessment of your failures as a pet owner, and maybe, he’ll give you a taste of your medicine as well.

Veijo’s life is then upended by the arrival of two people into his life: Petri, a garage employee who is desperate to win the approval of his white nationalist pals, who gives up his dog for Veijo to kill; and Lotta, a nurse tending to his ailing father, who takes special interest in Veijo’s work.

Nikki creates an uncompromising and bleak portrait of rural Finnish life, which serves as a fitting backdrop for this story. The grimy environment setting combined with a muted color palette makes for a perfect home for this bizarre tale to take place. The film is laced throughout with biting dark humor, which blends effortlessly into what is a gruesome, yet extremely fascinating character story.

The movie takes its audience on a journey into Veijo’s ideals, establishing it by showing why this is something to get on board with lecturing irresponsible pet owners for not caring about their cute pets, for example. And as it continues, and as Veijo shows how dedicated he is in upholding his set of ideals, it continues to see just how far they can run with it. But the wicked script combined with lead actor Matti Onnismaa’s deadpan performance helps ensure it can go all the way.

The film and its lead character feel just as cold as its setting, which is juxtaposed with key moments of warmth, just as its dark and heavy personal drama is contrasted with some dry instances of black humor. Sudden shifts in tone occur throughout the movie, yet it all feels like a natural progression of the story. Veijo kills animals for a living and yet is infamous in his community for being a critter-lover. It’s akin in some ways to a Coen Brothers ensemble piece, a world filled of social misfits, making logically and ethically questionable decisions that are also a perfect representation their character.

It’s difficult not to root for Veijo, as his ideals are something that I like to think most of us would want to get behind: that animals deserve proper treatment and care. While humans can be untrustworthy, animals are nothing if not honest and pure. This makes for an intriguing watch as Veijo proceeds unflinchingly with his idealistic nature as the story takes on progressively darker turns. And the movie’s climactic moment is so satisfying and cathartic I nearly jumped up and cheered. Although the subject matter involved may make some people uncomfortable enough to not fully enjoy it.

Euthanizer is an interesting and weird time. The themes of the movie will make many uncomfortable, but its realistic and chilling setting, along with a compelling lead character realized through an oddly likeable script makes this film one that’s well worth a watch.

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