Bonus malus (film)

Bonus malus is a 2020 Finnish dark comedy film directed by Ville Jankeri. The film satirizes social media culture, influencer marketing, and the pervasive pressure to project a perfect online image.

The story centers on Elias, a young man struggling to maintain a facade of success and happiness on social media. He works a mundane job but spends his free time crafting an elaborate online persona, complete with staged photos and carefully curated experiences. When he meets a woman named Meri, he attempts to impress her by exaggerating his lifestyle and accomplishments, leading to a series of increasingly absurd and comical situations. As Elias becomes more deeply entangled in his own web of lies, the film explores the disconnect between online representation and real-life authenticity.

Bonus malus explores themes of identity, perception, and the impact of social media on personal relationships. The film received generally positive reviews for its sharp writing, comedic performances, and relevant social commentary. It was nominated for multiple Jussi Awards (the Finnish equivalent of the Academy Awards).