A brief review of the film “Nattvardsgästerna” (1962), directed by Ingmar Bergman.

A heavy, chamber-like parable by Bergman, Nattvardsgästerna is a story about people imprisoned by faith, where the church becomes a confined cell, leaving the pastor alone with his thoughts and torment in his search for truth.

Throughout his career, the director, much like the pastor, tries to unravel the nature of faith — and invites the viewer to take part in this exploration. Drawing on Dreyer-like close-ups and seemingly breaking the fourth wall, Bergman allows us to feel the full bitterness of the drama.

Legendary cinematographer Sven Nykvist, with his restrained camerawork, immerses the viewer in an atmosphere of doom and spiritual desolation.

“If only we could feel safe, we could love each other gently. We need a truth we can believe in — and if only we could believe…”