What It’s About
Dagmar (Henning) is a lovely but troubled young woman who abruptly takes her own life one night. Dagmar’s neighbors, writer Anders Wikner (Palme) and his wife Britt (Tengroth) never really knew her beyond casual “hellos”. Out of a vague sense of regret and some morbid curiosity, Anders decides to delve into Dagmar’s past life to understand what made her do it.
Why We Love It
Director Ekman was an early contemporary of Ingmar Bergman’s, who called this underexposed gem “a masterpiece”. If not that, it’s damn close. Henning is appropriately restrained as a sphinxlike beauty who conceals her demons but still transmits a subtle aura of melancholy. Palme is appealing as protagonist Anders, who becomes more committed to his quest for answers the more people he speaks to. Finally Bergman regular Ek registers as Elias, a narcissistic, self-destructive artist who treats Dagmar shabbily. The surprise ending caps an otherwise first-rate noir entry, from Sweden of all places!