Euthanizer is a Finnish film directed by Teemu Nikki. The protagonist of the film is Veijo Haukka, a middle-aged mechanic who lives alone in a small rural town. He is a man of few words and is known for being straightforward and practical. However, he also has a secret side business where he euthanizes pets that are too old or too sick to live.
Veijo sees himself as a caretaker of animals and believes that his job is to prevent them from suffering. He takes no pleasure in ending an animal's life but believes it is necessary to spare them from pain. However, his actions come under scrutiny when a young woman named Lotta brings her dog, Rottweiler, to him for euthanasia. Veijo senses that Lotta is hesitant about the decision and insists on meeting Rottweiler first. When he sees the dog, he concludes that it is not sick and could live for several years without suffering. He refuses to put the dog down and sends Lotta away.
However, Lotta does not take no for an answer and tries to get another vet to put Rottweiler down. The vet senses something is off and contacts the authorities. It soon becomes apparent that Lotta had ulterior motives for having Rottweiler euthanized, and Veijo gets dragged into a conflict that puts his livelihood and freedom at risk.
The film is a dark and gritty exploration of the consequences of taking ethical shortcuts. It raises uncomfortable questions about pet ownership and euthanasia, and the blurred lines between compassion and cruelty. The cinematography is bleak and evocative, and the performances by the cast are excellent, particularly that of Matti Onnismaa, who plays Veijo with unflinching honesty.
