Marie (Maj-Britt Nilsson), a successful but emotionally distant ballerina rehearsing for Swan Lake, becomes haunted by memories of a formative summer romance when she receives the diary of her first love, Henrik (Birger Malmsten). Stirred by her memories, Marie returns by boat to the island where the love affair took place and recalls the various incidents of the idyllic summer that abruptly ended with Henrik’s accidental death. A film that the director considered a creative turning point, Summer Interlude is a reflection about life and death that unites Bergman’s love of theatre and cinema. 

Notes by David O’Mahony.

This film screens as part of BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL: THE FILMS OF INGMAR BERGMAN.

See the full collection of films on IFI@Home, launching February 1st.