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Poster for Through a Glass Darkly

Through a Glass Darkly

Seen it?

1961 | 91 min | Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 31 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Swedish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1961: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Karin hopes to recover from her recent stay at a mental hospital by spending the summer at her family's cottage on a tiny island. Her husband, Martin, cares for her but is frustrated by her physical withdrawal. Her younger brother, Minus, is confused by Karin's vulnerability and his own budding sexuality. Their father, David, cannot overcome his haughty remoteness. Beset by visions, Karin descends further into madness.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.8 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best International Feature Film. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $9K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 74K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ingmar Bergman

  • Harriet AnderssonKarin
  • Gunnar BjörnstrandDavid
  • Max von SydowMartin
  • Lars PassgårdMinus