Her nuanced depiction of the multifaceted character—a young woman navigating 1970s Helsinki's vibrant yet challenging nightlife—earned widespread acclaim, contributing to the film's commercial success with a domestic gross of approximately $654,019.^[35][37][38]In addition to her wins, Kosonen received a Jussi nomination for Best Leading Actress in 2012 for her role in Veden vartija (Body of Water).

This balance allows Kosonen to discuss parenting challenges openly in interviews without revealing personal specifics that could invite scrutiny.^[51]

Selected filmography

Film

Kosonen made her feature film debut in Jade Warrior (2006), directed by Antti-Jussi Annila, where she played Ronja, the love interest of the protagonist in this fantasy blending Finnish and Chinese mythology about a reincarnated warrior confronting ancient demons.^[16][53]In Princess (2010), directed by Arto Halonen, she portrayed Christina von Heyroth, the lady-in-waiting to the titular character in a biographical drama recounting the life and crimes of Finland's first female serial killer, Anna Lappalainen.^[54][19]Kosonen starred as Helena, a midwife nicknamed "Wildeye," in The Midwife (2015; also known internationally as Wildeye), directed by Antti J.

Jokinen, a World War II-era romance depicting her forbidden love affair with a Germansoldier on the Finnish front.^[27][55]She took the lead role of Angela, an exotic dancer, in Miami (2017), directed by Zaida Bergroth, a thriller exploring the strained reunion and dark secrets between two estranged sisters during a summer tour.^[56][57]In the science fiction sequel Blade Runner 2049 (2017), directed by Denis Villeneuve, Kosonen appeared in a supporting capacity as Doxie #2, one of the replicant pleasure models in a dystopian world where a blade runner uncovers a long-buried secret threatening society.^[58][59]She played Mona, a dominatrix, in Dogs Don't Wear Pants (2019), directed by J-P Valkeapää, a dark comedy-drama about a man confronting grief through BDSM sessions that rekindle a complex emotional bond.^[60][7]Kosonen played Vivica Bandler, the theater director and partner of Tove Jansson, in Tove (2020), directed by Zaida Bergroth, a biographical film tracing the Finnish author's post-World War II artistic and romantic awakening as the creator of the Moomins.^[61][62]In Helene (2020), directed by Antti J.

Jokinen, she portrayed Helena Westermarck, a fellow artist and friend in this historical drama centered on the life and unrequited love of renowned Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck.^[63]Her most recent film role as of 2025 is Kathrine in Before We Forget (2025), co-directed by Juan Pablo Di Pace and Andrés Pepe Estrada, a coming-of-age story set in the Italian town of Duino, following a teenager's exploration of identity and first love.^[64][65]

Television

Kosonen first rose to prominence on Finnish television through her recurring role in the sketch comedy series Putous, which aired on MTV3 from 2010 to 2014.

The warm shade of dark blue on the walls both defines the mood of the room and supports the other colors. This preparatory year helped solidify her commitment to acting as a profession.Kosonen then advanced to the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki (Teatterikorkeakoulu), where she studied drama intensively for six years, graduating in 2009.^[10][15] During her time at the academy, she honed her abilities in both stage and screen acting through rigorous coursework and practical workshops, transitioning from amateur enthusiasm to professional readiness.

Career

Early roles and breakthrough

Kosonen made her professional acting debut in the 2006 Finnish-Chinese co-production Jade Warrior (Jadesoturi), directed by Antti-Jussi Annila, where she portrayed Ronja, the ex-girlfriend of the protagonist Kai, a blacksmith grappling with heartbreak and ancient destiny.^[16] The film holds significance as the first Finnish kung fu fantasy, blending elements of the wuxia genre with Finnish mythology from the Kalevala epic, marking a pioneering effort in domestic genre cinema.^[17]Following her debut, Kosonen took on supporting roles in several Finnish films during the late 2000s, building her presence in the industry.

The light, open-plan kitchen is balanced by a large wooden dining table and a huge, dark blue sofa. She appeared across the first five seasons, contributing to approximately 50 episodes as a core cast member and original series designer, where she portrayed diverse comedic characters such as the hapless reporter Sirkka "Sika" Vainola and the flamboyant Kristoffer Taxfree, often serving as the news anchor in the show's signature Putous Viikkokatsaus segment.^[1][66]In 2018, she starred as the lead character Mari Saari in the Finnish crime thriller miniseries Bullets, a 10-episode production broadcast on C More and YLE.^[67] Kosonen played an exceptionally skilled undercover officer for the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo), tasked with infiltrating a suspected terrorist network by befriending a former recruiter.^[68][69]Kosonen achieved international visibility with her portrayal of Alfhildr Enginsdóttir in the HBONordic sci-fi drama Beforeigners, appearing in all 12 episodes across its two seasons (2019 and 2021).^[24] In the series, co-produced by Norway's Rubicon, she depicted a fierce Viking-age warrior displaced to modern-day Oslo through mysterious time migrations, who joins the police force as a recruit partnering with detective Lars Haaland to solve crimes involving "beforeigners."^[70][71]She took on the role of Tina Lund in the 2023 international co-production The Swarm, an eight-episode eco-thriller series streamed on Disney+ and based on Frank Schätzing's novel.

In contrast to the dark bedroom, the warm, lively kitchen-living room provides space for light, in pleasing harmony with the furniture in the large room. Amid the art and books, time seems to stand still.

"Art and books make our home feel like home. I checked several times. This expansion occurred while the family navigated relocations tied to work, with Kosonen highlighting the children's resilience in such changes.^[49][51]Kosonen's parenting philosophy centers on emotional openness and adaptability rather than enforced toughness.

Selma's arrival coincided with a period of transition for Kosonen, as she balanced early parenthood with professional commitments, though she has emphasized the profound adjustment it brought to her daily routine.^[50]In June 2022, the family expanded further with the birth of their son on Midsummer Day, June 24.

They have accumulated over the years, they have a familiarity and yet they always bring out something new," Krista reflects. The jury and critics highlighted her phenomenal performance in portraying the nurse's emotional turmoil during World War II on the Finnish front.^[36]Kosonen secured her second Jussi at the 72nd ceremony on March 26, 2018, again for Best Leading Actress, this time for her portrayal of Angela in Zaida Bergroth's Miami.

Kosonen later reflected that the second child altered their household dynamics less dramatically than the first, noting a growing trust in their ability to adapt as parents. It’s the corner of the living room of her new home, where she can watch life go by from the shelter of Helsinki’s historic Temppeliaukio.

The autumn wind blows across the sheltered cliffs of Temppeliaukio as the season’s last sweater-clad picnickers brave the coolness.

These recognitions, including nods at European events like the SUBTITLE European Film Festival, positioned Kosonen as a key figure in Nordic cinema's export to broader audiences.^[42][43][35]These international accolades have solidified Kosonen's reputation as a prominent Finnish talent on the world stage, facilitating opportunities in Hollywood productions like Blade Runner 2049 and enhancing the visibility of Scandinavian storytelling globally, as evidenced by increased festival invitations and co-production involvement up to 2025.^[34]

Personal life

Marriage and relationships

Krista Kosonen met Finnish film director Antti J.

Jokinen while working on his 2012 film Purge, in which she portrayed the character Ingel; the two fell in love during the production, marking the beginning of their relationship.^[44] Their partnership has included professional collaborations, such as Kosonen starring in Jokinen's 2018 television series Bullets and taking on the role of Ilmarinen's wife in his upcoming epic Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo.^[45][46]The couple married in May 2018 after seven years together, an event Kosonen described as "really wonderful and meaningful" despite her prior lack of interest in marriage.^[47] The wedding surprised friends due to its low-key nature, without traditional pre-wedding festivities, and Kosonen shared photos on Instagram capturing the emotional atmosphere of tears and laughter.^[47]Kosonen and Jokinen have maintained a relatively private personal life, though Finnish media outlets covered their marriage positively, highlighting the couple's mutual professional understanding and support.^[47] No prior romantic relationships for Kosonen have been publicly documented.

More important than the decor is the comfort and coziness of everyday life. My spouse plans everything, I answer questions like 'this neutral or that dark?'. This victory marked her as the first Finnish actress to receive this honor at the event, elevating her profile in the global market.^[5][6]Building on her domestic successes, Kosonen received nominations for her work in international projects, including a 2022 nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Gullruten Awards, Norway's premier television honors, for her portrayal of the Viking-era character Alfhildr in the HBO Nordic series Beforeigners.