Headfirst (2014)
A Finnish black comedy about a hot-tempered single mother, her rebellious daughter, and the wonderfully chaotic strangers who crash into their lives.
Headfirst - Movie Information
- Original Title: Päin seinää
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Antti Heikki Pesonen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: Finnish
- Spoken Languages: Finnish
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 26, 2014 (Finland - K-12)
- Alternative Titles: Huvudstupa (FI)
- Production Companies: Helsinki-filmi
- Production Countries: Finland
Headfirst - Plot
Headfirst is a black comedy about a single mother with anger management problems and her teenage daughter who is always in trouble at school. With yet another school comes a new teacher and a blast from the past for the mother. Before long, an accidental pickpocket and a notoriously lousy storyteller teams up with this one dysfunctional sort of a family. Nothing is the same anymore. Headfirst is a story about missing teeth, strange friends, hidden dreams and long-gone love. And about a hare.
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Headfirst - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Antti Heikki Pesonen
Main Cast
- Armi Toivanen
- Eero Ritala
- Kai Lehtinen
- Mimosa Willamo
- Konsta Väliheikki
- Samir Homan
- Niina Koponen
- Max Ovaska
- Joonas Saartamo
- Jari Virman
Writers
- Antti Heikki Pesonen
Producers
- Miia Haavisto
Headfirst - FAQs
What is Headfirst about?
Headfirst follows a short-fused single mother and her perpetually trouble-making teenage daughter as their chaotic lives are upended by a new teacher who turns out to be a blast from the mother's past. Throw in an accidental pickpocket and a terrible storyteller, and this quirky Finnish black comedy really takes off.
Is Headfirst a Finnish-language film?
Yes, Headfirst is entirely in Finnish. It's a Finnish production from Helsinki-filmi, set and filmed in Finland, so viewers watching outside Finland will want to look for subtitled versions to follow the story.
Where can you watch Headfirst?
You can find viewing options for Headfirst on JustWatch, which lists all available streaming, rental, and purchase options in your region. Availability may vary depending on where you are located.
Who are the main actors in Headfirst?
The film stars Armi Toivanen as the hot-tempered mother Essi and Mimosa Willamo as her rebellious daughter Tiina. They're joined by Eero Ritala, Kai Lehtinen, Konsta Väliheikki, and Samir Homan, among others, all bringing this offbeat ensemble to life.
Is Headfirst based on a true story?
No, Headfirst is not based on a true story. It's an original screenplay written by director Antti Heikki Pesonen. The film draws its charm from fictional characters and situations, though its themes of family dysfunction and unexpected connection feel very grounded and relatable.
Who directed Headfirst?
Headfirst was written and directed by Antti Heikki Pesonen, a Finnish filmmaker. The film was produced by Miia Haavisto through Helsinki-filmi, one of Finland's leading production companies, and released in Finnish cinemas on December 26, 2014.
What genre is Headfirst?
Headfirst blends drama and comedy — specifically black comedy — making it a genre-mixing Finnish film. It balances genuinely funny moments with more emotionally resonant themes like family bonds, hidden dreams, and second chances, giving it a bittersweet tone throughout.
What are similar films to Headfirst?
If you enjoyed Headfirst, you might also like other Finnish films such as Leningrad Cowboys Go America, Diva of Finland, or Anselmi: The Young Werewolf. For international picks with a similar offbeat family comedy-drama feel, Landline and Juniper are worth checking out.
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