Faithless

An aging director, [Bergman], conjures in his imagination the central character, Marianne. He interviews [Marianne] to compose the story of her life-changing affair. Marianne had been happily married to [Markus], an orchestra conductor, with a young daughter [Isabelle]. Her best friend is [David], who is seeking funding for a film project. When Markus is away, David approaches Marianne and they go to Marianne’s home. There, David surprises her by asking her if they can sleep together. Marianne asserts she sees David more as a brother; she eventually agrees they can sleep in the same bed in nightwear and without sexual relations. However, the two note they are both planning to be in Paris, France, for separate projects. Markus is aware of their travel plans, and Marianne speculates she and David can meet in Paris, and they would not have to deceive Markus about seeing each other there.

In Paris, Marianne and David begin their affair. David also asks Marianne about her sexual history, and Marianne shares her list of experiences; but this mostly consists of her relations with Marcus, who she said had satisfied her in ways no one else had. This triggers a violent jealous reaction in David.

David and Marianne continue their affair after returning from Paris. Markus realises they are having an affair and eventually discovers the two together. Markus begins to seek a divorce, and seeks full custody of Isabelle. Marianne gets a lawyer, who tells her Markus has the upper hand, given her desertion of the home. Marianne moves in with David and the two plan to get married; Marianne becomes pregnant with his child. Her lawyer advises that these improved conditions could help her custody case.

Markus eventually reaches out to Marianne to meet him alone to settle the custody case, ostensibly for Isabelle’s sake. Despite David’s angry objections, she agrees to go. At the meeting, Markus blackmails her for sex in exchange for custody.

Marianne confesses to the affair to David. The two separate and Marianne has an abortion. After hearing Markus has committed suicide, Marianne learns he had also been unfaithful with his page-turner. Bergman bids farewell to Marianne, but she says she suspects they will meet again.

Last Updated: October 10, 2025 at 16:04