Compartment No. 6

Haarla and Borisov are excellent as the protagonists of this strangely appealing love story.

Very little happens between these two unhappy souls. And then, as the end nears, I found myself hoping it would keep going. Go figure. It takes quite some skill to be that crafty.

Haarla and Borisov demonstrate impeccable timing and expertly tiny movements as they warm up to one another. Its something like love but without either sex or romance. And its a joy to behold.

The film’s central theme of overcoming otherness and finding common ground across personal, cultural and geographical borders seems like a balm for the soul in these tumultuous times.

This unconventional love story — which plays like a Richard Linklater film set in the Arctic circle — is a total charmer, and will have you reaching for an Interrail ticket immediately afterwards.

The performances are first-rate. The actors take what they need but otherwise depend on the truth of the characters.

Finnish film-maker Juho Kuosmanen has crafted a tense, compelling drama which offers plenty of narrative twists and turns.

The kind of movie that changes the way you see the world.

the beauty and compelling power of this film is in its appreciation of the small moments, the random encounters and conversations with strangers that remain etched on the heart.

If you enjoy character-driven road movies, you will want to see the offbeat Compartment No. 6,