Tove

Be warned although based on the life of author of a kid's creation, this one is definitely not for the kids.

Although it's heartwarming and quite sad in places, it's one of the better biopic's on artists I've seen in a while. Carried by a excellent performance from Alma Pöysti as Tove Jansson, probably best known for Aki Kaurismaki's recent film Fallen Leaves. She's really a likeable presence on screen.

The film doesn't really shy away from Tove's Bisexuality or her sex life. Although I did think the film did underplay Tove's lifelong partner Tuulikki Pietila role in her life (she gets a few minutes near the end) and it's mostly based around her love affair with Vivica Bandler.

At 1hr 40mins, it doesn't overstay it's welcome. The cast are really excellent. It's not breaking any new ground or anything but having such a likeable lead actress in Pöysti carrying the film does help it. I hope that with success of Fallen Leaves, that we see more of her working outside of Finland.