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Euthanizer is a 2017 Finnish black comedy-drama directed by Teemu Nikki. The film follows Veijo Haukka (Matti Onnismaa), a middle-aged, taciturn man who lives alone and works as a technician in a meatpacking factory. Veijo also has a sideline in euthanizing sick, unwanted pets, performing his services for clients who cannot afford to have the procedure done by a veterinarian. As he carries out these tasks with a cool efficiency, it becomes apparent that he has a deep mistrust of humans and a disdain for the way they treat animals.

As the film opens, Veijo reluctantly takes on a new client, a young woman named Lotta (Hannamaija Nikander) who wants him to put her dog to sleep. Veijo's suspicions are aroused when he realizes that Lotta's dog is not sick or dying, but healthy and well-behaved. He confronts Lotta about this and learns that she wants the dog to be euthanized because it has been involved in a traumatic incident and she cannot bear to care for it any longer. Veijo grudgingly agrees to perform the task but becomes increasingly drawn into the troubled lives of Lotta and her abusive boyfriend Petri (Jari Virman), both of whom seem to be at the mercy of their own violent impulses.

Throughout the film, Veijo's relationships with Lotta and Petri test his moral code and lead him to question his own motivations. Meanwhile, a subplot involving a set of assailants who are hunting down Veijo's former apprentice adds to the sense of danger and unease that permeates the film.

Euthanizer has been praised for its compelling, complex characters and its exploration of themes such as morality, power, and the nature of humanity. Matti Onnismaa's performance as Veijo has been singled out as particularly strong, capturing the character's stoicism and inner turmoil with subtlety and nuance. The film's brooding atmosphere and stark visual style contribute to its overall impact, as does its haunting, minimalist score.

While some viewers may find the film's subject matter challenging or disturbing, Euthanizer has been widely lauded for its frank and unflinching approach to difficult topics. It offers a sobering commentary on the way humans treat animals, the cycles of violence that can perpetuate within families and relationships, and the consequences of choosing to act outside of societal norms.

Overall, Euthanizer is a thought-provoking, well-crafted film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience. With its compelling storyline, powerful performances, and stark visual style, it marks teems Nikki as one of Finland's most promising cinematic talents.

Euthanizer is a 2017 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 71.