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Force of Habit

Name: Force of Habit
Director: Kirsikka Saari, Elli Toivoniemi, Anna Paavilainen, Alli Haapasalo, Reetta Aalto, Jenni Toivoniemi, Miia Tervo
Released: 2019
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2019

Director

Kirsikka Saari, Elli Toivoniemi, Anna Paavilainen, Alli Haapasalo, Reetta Aalto, Jenni Toivoniemi, Miia Tervo

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Force of Habit is a character-driven film that emphasizes women's ability to drive the story and the dismantling of social hierarchies. By using a collective of female directors, the film challenges traditional patriarchal storytelling to highlight nuanced systemic issues. The film stands out in its gender representation, focusing on women's experiences and tackling critical issues such as workplace harassment. This shift in the narrative lens away from masculine leadership offers a multifaceted view of contemporary social dynamics. However, the film seems confined by its regional focus, presenting a standard demographic profile typical of localized Finnish dramas. While it explores institutional friction, it lacks clear evidence of broader racial or disability-related diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Force of Habit have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film focuses on female-centric perspectives and interpersonal relationships. Although specific romantic pairings are not detailed, the structure allows for exploration of non-traditional social structures.

How does Force of Habit portray gender?

Excellent

A variety of women drive the narrative, challenging the usual focus on male protagonists. The story critiques gender hierarchies through themes of workplace harassment and power imbalances.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Force of Habit?

Fair

The film centers on social dynamics within a Finnish setting. It avoids a monolithic demographic focus but stays within the scope of a typical regional drama.

How does Force of Habit represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative examines the tension between individual ability to act and systemic processes. It delves into themes of legal justice and the instability of traditional professional hierarchies.

Does Force of Habit include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Therefore, no assessment of representation in this category can be made.

Present on Screen

Highlights strong women's ability to drive the story through a diverse cast of central female characters.
Effectively critiques systemic power imbalances and workplace harassment.
Challenges traditional patriarchal storytelling through a female-led directorial team.

Limited or Absent

Limited representation of racial and ethnic diversity beyond a regional demographic.
No information or representation of characters with disabilities.
Focus remains primarily within localized social and regional dynamics.

Official Synopsis

Force of Habit follows the lives of various women throughout one day. Hilla is having a romantic vacation, Emmi is throwing a house party, and Milja is on her way to school when they’re approached by a stranger and things take an unexpected turn. At the same time, Emppu, a young actress, is conflicted as she rehearses for the biggest role of her life. Elsewhere, Aleksi, an inexperienced prosecutor, is preparing for his first court case in haste; Niina, the victim of the crime, has been waiting years to see her case tried. Miia throws a company party, and the mood dramatically changes when her colleague Katja opens up about their boss coming on to her. Miia and a couple of her closest colleagues try to resolve the situation, but how do the others react?

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