Summer with Monika (1953)

In the heart of Stockholm, a passionate love ignites between Harry Lund, a nineteen-year-old packing clerk for a delicate china and glass company, and Monika Eriksson, an eighteen-year-old rebel yearning for freedom from her mundane life as a general clerk at a greengrocer. Both are trapped within the confines of their respective homes, living under the shadows of their parents. Harry, a dutiful son, has been burdened with the weight of responsibility since his mother's death a decade ago, while Monika, a restless spirit, is desperate to escape her oppressive life and controlling parents. Their lives intertwine when they meet, and a fervent relationship blossoms rapidly. Harry, who is committed to his job despite his clumsy nature, is perceived as the embodiment of responsible adulthood. Yet even he can't resist the allure of Monika's desire to flee their dreary existence. Succumbing to her rebellious charm, he decides to abandon his life and run away with her, stealing his ailing father's boat for their daring getaway. Their summer unfolds on an isolated island, far from the trappings of their former lives. The lovers bask in the bliss of their freedom where their only company is the rhythm of the waves and the whisper of the wind. However, their idyllic escape takes a sharp turn when Monika announces her pregnancy. Harry, ever the responsible one, decides to marry her, returning to the grind of employment and education to secure a future for their unborn child. But as Harry embarks on the path of adulthood, striving to improve their lives and prepare for the arrival of their daughter, June, Monika remains entrapped in her own desires. Her priority is her own happiness, which, at this stage of her life, translates to having fun and living life on her own terms. The tension rises as Harry's resources dwindle and Monika's thirst for freedom remains unquenched. The poignant question that lingers is whether their love can survive these testing times, or if their passionate summer is destined to be a fleeting moment in time.

Summer with Monika is a drama movie featuring Harriet Andersson.

Summer with Monika is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Summer with Monika on Amazon Video and Apple TV.