Summer with Monika (se: Sommaren med Monika) is a 1953 film directed by the Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. It sparked controversy abroad for its frank depiction of nudity, and along with the film "One Summer of Happiness" from the year before, directed by Arne Mattsson, started the reputation of Sweden as a sexually liberated place (while Sweden is relatively sexually liberal in many regards, much of the concept of "Swedish sin" is largely exagerated and was perpetuated by the film industry, not least by its so-called "Schwedenfilmen" produced in Germany).

PLOT (Spoiler Warning)

Harry (19) and Monika (17) are both in dead end jobs when they meet. Harry is easygoing, while Monika is adventurous, but they fall in love. When Monika gets in trouble at home, Harry steals his father's boat, and he and Monika spend an idyllic summer in the Stockholm archipelago. When the end of the summer forces them to return home, it is clear that Monika is pregnant. Harry does the right thing, accepting responsibility and settling down with Monika and their child. He gets a real job and studies to provide for his family. Monika, however, is unsatified with her role as homemaker. She yearns for exitement and adventure, a desire which finally leads her astray. Harry is left behind with the child.

Films directed by Ingmar Bergman | Swedish films | 1953 films

Sommaren med Monika