Elvira Madigan

In the summer of 1889, Hedvig Jensen and Sixten Sparre flee their old lives together, seeking privacy and freedom in the Danish countryside. Hedvig abandons her traveling circus identity in favor of her real name, hoping their love can redefine them. They hide to avoid the scorn and Sparre's regiment, which still pursues him for desertion.

She asks him to call her by her real name instead of her stage name, Elvira Madigan, signaling a desire to reclaim her identity. Sparre agrees in spirit, believing their bond can redefine who they are. They continue their evasive escape together.

Despite their precautions, buttons from Sparre's military uniform are found, revealing their presence. A kindly hotel cook helps them slip away before authorities can arrest them. The escape buys them a brief reprieve but the hunt resumes.

Kristoffer, a friend from Sparre's regiment, tracks them down. He tries to persuade Sparre to come back and resume his old life. Sparre declares he is changed, now on the women's side, and rejects the idea of returning.

Kristoffer's plea fails; Sparre remains with Hedvig. He asserts his new beliefs and detaches from military pride. Their bond strengthens despite external pressure.

The couple continues a summer of hotels and inns, seeking privacy while avoiding pursuit. They drift between quiet rooms and brief amusements as their finances vanish. The romance remains intense but under strain from their precarious finances.

Hedvig entertains a party with her dancing. She also sells a drawing of herself sketched by Toulouse-Lautrec. These earnings temporarily ease their financial pressure.

Hedvig suggests Sparre look for a job, but he argues that a deserter cannot find work. They argue about the realities of their precarious situation. They eventually reconcile after the dispute.

Growing starvation pushes them toward a grim compromise: a suicide pact. They decide to take one last picnic together before acting on their decision. Sparre packs a gun for the planned act.

During the farewell picnic, Sparre struggles with whether to shoot Hedvig. He cannot bring himself to end her life at that moment. Their final moment is filled with unspoken emotion.

Hedvig joyfully chases a butterfly, recalling happier days. Sparre, gathering the courage to honor their pact, shoots Hedvig and then kills himself. The deaths are offscreen, and only the sound of gunshots marks the tragedy.