Jill, Joy and the Mysterious Stranger

Synopsis

Jill, Joy and the Mysterious Stranger, originally titled Onneli, Anneli ja Salaperäinen muukalainen, is a Finnish family film released in 2017 starring Lilja Lehto. The movie revolves around the charming adventures of two lively girls, Jill and Joy, whose world is turned upside down when a mysterious stranger arrives in their quaint neighborhood. As the girls navigate curiosity, friendship, and a touch of suspense, the film captures the essence of childhood wonder and the thrill of discovery. Combining lighthearted humor with subtle intrigue, the narrative offers a wholesome story that appeals to children and families alike, emphasizing themes such as trust, courage, and the power of imagination.

Cast

• Lilja Lehto

  Anneli

• Aava Merikanto

  Onneli

• 

  Elina Knihtilä

  Tingelstiina

• 

  Kiti Kokkonen

  Tangelstiina

• 

  Jaakko Saariluoma

  Urho Ulpukka

• 

  Jenni Kokander

  Minna Pinna

Reviews

The reception to Jill, Joy and the Mysterious Stranger was mixed, reflecting diverse perspectives from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a modest rating of 5.5 out of 10, indicating average viewer responses. Critics have appreciated the film for its charming portrayal of childhood and its faithful adaptation of beloved Finnish literature. For example, some reviewers praised Lilja Lehto's performance and the colorful, picturesque portrayal of the Finnish setting, which adds authenticity and warmth to the story. However, some critiques pointed out that the pacing of the film can be uneven, and the plot at times feels predictable for older viewers. According to a review on a Finnish film site, "The movie beautifully captures the innocence of youth but lacks tension and depth to engage adult audiences fully." Meanwhile, family-centric review platforms have noted the film's suitability for children, emphasizing its gentle storytelling and friendly characters. The film did not receive a significant presence on sites like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, suggesting a limited international release and reception. Overall, Jill, Joy and the Mysterious Stranger stands as a pleasant, if somewhat conventional, family film with charm particularly accessible to younger viewers and fans of the original book series.

See also

Interstellar

The Shawshank Redemption

Joker

Titanic