Under the Sun

The film opens with a voice-over quoting Ecclesiastes, setting up a meditation on seasons and purposes. The voice-over introduces a tonal rhythm of change and inevitability that frames the story to come. The opening establishes a reflective mood and hints at fate guiding the characters.

Over a decade after his mother's death, Olof, an illiterate farmer, lives alone on the family farm. He cannot read, so his young friend Erik handles all the business logistics for him. The scene establishes Olof's isolation and dependence on others.

Erik, a youthful friend who once sailed the world, manages the farm's affairs and represents Olof in town. He acts as a go-between, keeping the operation running and shielding Olof from the outside world's details. This patronage creates tension when secrets arise later.

Olof posts a local newspaper ad inviting a woman to come to the farm, asking for a photograph with applications. The ad reveals his loneliness and desire for companionship. The act sets the plot in motion by inviting an outsider into his life.

A beautiful woman from outside the village, Ellen, answers the ad and travels to the farm. She gradually takes on more of the farm's work, impressing Olof and changing the household dynamics. The encounter marks the beginning of a new bond between them.

As Ellen takes over more of the farm's operations, she and Olof grow closer in affection. The romantic development shifts the balance of power on the farm and deepens their emotional connection. The change unsettles Erik, who watches from the sidelines.

Erik becomes convinced Ellen is a gold-digger seeking Olof's money and confronts her with veiled threats. He hints that he might uncover her true origins to expose her. The tension foreshadows the fractures that will follow.

Ellen leaves the farm, leaving behind a note confessing she is married and apologizing for betraying Olof's trust. She says she must go back to sort out her life and promises she will always love him.

Olof asks Erik to read Ellen's note, but Erik refuses at first and then tampers with the text. He inserts a claim that he has repaid money Olof lent and omits Ellen's declaration of eternal love. The deception sows further tragedy, hinging on Olof's illiterate status.

Erik announces he is going back to sea and departs on the passenger liner SS Andrea Doria. The departure removes Erik from the village and closes a circle of escalating conflict. The moment foreshadows the fateful events to come.

Later that same year, the Andrea Doria collides with M/S Stockholm, causing the deaths of 49 people. The catastrophe underscores themes of chance and peril that run through the story. Erik's absence weighs heavily in the wake.

Some time passes until a fall day when Ellen returns in a passing car and Olof, who now carries Ellen's note, asks her to read it aloud. For the first time, Olof acknowledges that he cannot read. Ellen reads the note, asks if he wants her back, and their relationship is rekindled as the film ends.