★★★★1/2

A resonant and powerful film about womanhood, agency, and the ways with which people can try and survive in untenable circumstances, Tell Everyone is a rich discovery at SIFF 2026. From Finland, and directed by Alli Haapasalo, the film tells the story of Amanda (Marketta Tikkanen), who is sent to a Seili, a remote island, and really an asylum, reserved for “unwanted women.” Set in 1898, Amanda finds a community of “mad” women to embed with. As one woman says to two others as they laugh and enjoy a meal together, “It’s almost as if we are normal.” The laughs become rather muted at that point.

Amanda’s “madness” is severe menstrual pain and her banishment is rooted in a true story, where Haapasalo shared in a recent interview with Variety that these ‘prison islands’ existed in many countries. What we witness is women, building community, while their freedom is stripped away. It’s a powerful reminder that societies are not built with equality in mind. History has shown us that power is held by the few and there is also someone forced into being lesser, muted to the point of meaninglessness. Amanda will not stand for this. She is defiant, demanding, and sees not just her worth, but the worth of those she is isolated with.

Tikkanen is terrific in balancing the complex emotions that rage in and out of Amanda with her given circumstances. Haapasalo is comfortable providing an unflinching look at these characters and their supposed flaws and imperfections, as much as she is shining a light on whatever positives come their way. Novelist Katja Kallio adapts her own story for the big screen and provides important subtext and depth to supporting characters. 

Still, through the exquisite cinematography by Jarmo Kiuru, and a haunting, emotional score by composers Vilma Jää and Kalle Vainio, Tell Everyone is a movie full of moments that are engrossing, compelling, and unnerving. 

One woman casually asks another if she has ever been raped. A  young mother struggles with raising her daughter in an environment where it seems she will never have a chance to provide anything better for her future. There are women who have been there for decades. Others newly arrived. When Amanda tries to find love, she is stunted - yet finds power in other aspects of her relationships.

All of this is compelling and thought-provoking and Tell Everyone would be a solid contender should Finland opt to submit it for Oscar consideration. While finding an audience in North America may prove to be a challenge, I hope others can experience this. Tell Everyone is a film that invites and almost demands conversations and I hope people find it, watch it, and ponder its many layers.

Tell Everyone was screened as part of the 52nd Seattle International Film Festival.