Timo Parvela’s beloved children’s book series Ella and Friends celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, a milestone also marked by the arrival of the third film adaptation of Ella’s adventures. Directed by Elin Grönblom as her debut feature film, Operation Otter follows the group of friends at the end of their second school year as they and their teacher discover a family of otters in a nearby forest.
When a nasty businessman tries to buy the forest to serve his capitalist ends, Ella and her friends rise in resistance on behalf of the otters. The kind-hearted family film steers towards the theme of nature conservation, which is one of the key motifs in Parvela’s books—and in Finnish children’s films in general. The social critique is presented through playful humour, and the overall experience becomes refreshing not only because of its sound moral core but also thanks to the talented cast and inviting shots of nature. The film’s lush colour palette deserves a special mention.
Topi E. Timonen