🎬 𝐓𝐨𝐯𝐞 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)

Tove (2020) is a biographical drama that explores the life of Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson, the creator of the beloved Moomins. Set in post-World War II Helsinki, the film follows Tove’s struggles with personal and artistic identity in a time when expectations for women were rigid and unforgiving. The story opens with her attempts to establish herself as a serious artist, navigating the pressures of her strict sculptor father, Viktor Jansson, who dismisses her whimsical drawings as unimportant. Despite this, Tove finds solace and creative freedom in her paintings and storytelling, crafting the Moomin characters that would later define her career. However, financial hardships force her to take on commissioned work, leading to an internal battle between artistic integrity and commercial viability. She finds herself torn between the pursuit of success and her desire for creative expression, a conflict that is further complicated by her unconventional love life.

Tove's personal journey is as complex as her artistic one. She becomes romantically involved with Atos Wirtanen, a leftist politician who supports her work but does not provide the passion she craves. When she meets Vivica Bandler, a charismatic theater director from a wealthy family, she is drawn into a passionate yet tumultuous affair. Vivica’s free-spirited nature mirrors Tove’s own, and their relationship fuels Tove’s artistic creativity. She experiences an exhilarating new sense of self, one that challenges the societal norms of the time. However, Vivica, despite her deep affection for Tove, hesitates to fully commit, choosing instead to marry a man for convenience. This rejection leaves Tove heartbroken and searching for meaning in both love and art. Her personal struggles become intertwined with her creative journey, influencing her work and leading her to explore themes of longing, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience in her stories.

As her Moomin characters gain popularity, Tove is faced with an existential dilemma: should she embrace the fame that comes with them, or should she continue striving for recognition in the fine art world? The financial stability that the Moomins bring is undeniable, allowing her a newfound independence, yet she resents being boxed into the label of a "children’s author." The film portrays her creative process with stunning visuals—sketches strewn across her cluttered studio, bursts of inspiration turning into illustrations, and the joyous yet painstaking effort of bringing a fantasy world to life. Her conflicted feelings about success and artistic purpose resonate deeply, making her story one that transcends time and speaks to any artist struggling between passion and practicality. Despite her internal turmoil, Tove slowly begins to embrace the idea that success in one field does not negate her value in another.

Throughout the film, we see Tove evolve emotionally, learning to accept herself and her desires without seeking validation from others. After years of emotional highs and lows, she finds stability and true love in Tuulikki Pietilä, a fellow artist who becomes her lifelong partner. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, understanding, and creative collaboration—something that was lacking in her past romances. Tuulikki provides Tove with the unwavering support she needs, allowing her to fully embrace her identity both as an artist and as a woman who loves women. The film highlights this shift in Tove’s life with subtle yet powerful moments—quiet conversations, shared artistic pursuits, and the warmth of a relationship that is based on genuine companionship rather than fleeting passion. It is in this acceptance that Tove finally finds peace, allowing her to create not only for the world but for herself.

In its final moments, Tove leaves viewers with a sense of closure and inspiration. The film does not merely recount the biography of a renowned artist; rather, it delves into the emotional depths of a woman who defied expectations and carved her own path. It is a celebration of creativity, love, and self-discovery, beautifully capturing the spirit of an artist who refused to conform. Through breathtaking cinematography, compelling performances, and an evocative score, Tove paints an intimate portrait of a woman who found her way through art, love, and perseverance. Her legacy continues to live on in the Moomins, which, much like Tove herself, embody the essence of curiosity, resilience, and the courage to be different.