Tomas Alfredson’s six-part television series, ”Faithless” (”Trolösa”), a reimagining of Ingmar Bergman’s 2000 film of the same name, premiered on SVT in January 2025. This ambitious project, with a budget exceeding 100 million SEK, garnered significant interest both domestically and internationally, drawing on the legacy of Bergman and the contemporary acclaim of Alfredson, known for his work on films like ”Let the Right One In” and ”Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” The series explores the turbulent emotional landscape of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, themes deeply resonant in Bergman’s own life and reflected in the original film, which he wrote based on his relationship with journalist Gun Grut. Alfredson, personally impacted by the film following his own divorce, nurtured the idea of reinterpreting the story for years before finally bringing it to fruition.
The series’ genesis traces back two decades to a conversation with then-SVT drama chief Anna Croneman. Alfredson, captivated by the raw emotional power of Bergman’s ”Faithless,” saw an opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of the characters and their relationships. He enlisted Norwegian writer and director Sara Johnsen to collaborate on the script, a process that involved extensive discussions about their personal experiences with love, loss, and the intricacies of human connection. They agreed to retain the key narrative turning points of Bergman’s original work while exploring the nuances of the characters’ emotional journeys with a renewed focus on the painful realities of infidelity and its aftermath. This collaborative effort infused the series with a contemporary sensibility while maintaining a deep respect for Bergman’s artistic vision.
Johnsen, despite having a successful career as both a writer and director, took on the unique role of screenwriter without directing, a deliberate decision made from the outset. While this allowed her to focus intensely on crafting the narrative and dialogue, she admitted to a somewhat bittersweet experience, vividly imagining how she would have directed specific scenes. Alfredson, however, respected the deeply personal nature of the directorial process, acknowledging that he could never fully replicate Johnsen’s internal vision. This dynamic, while potentially challenging, fostered a creative tension that ultimately enriched the final product. Their shared commitment to exploring the uncomfortable truths of human relationships formed the bedrock of the series, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling and delving into the raw, often painful, core of human experience.
The series boasts a stellar cast, including Frida Gustavsson, Gustav Lindh, and August Wittgenstein in the central roles of Marianne, David, and Markus, respectively. Lena Endre, who played Marianne in the 2000 film, returned to portray the older version of the character, adding another layer of depth and continuity. Jesper Christensen played the older David, completing the quartet of actors tasked with embodying the complexities of love, betrayal, and the passage of time. The younger actors, in particular, spoke of the profound impact the series had on their careers, describing the roles as the most significant they had undertaken. They immersed themselves in the characters’ emotional lives for two years during the production, a testament to the intensity and depth of the project.
Alfredson’s admiration for Bergman is evident throughout the series. From the carefully chosen filming locations, many of which have strong associations with Bergman’s work, to the visual aesthetics and overall atmosphere, “Faithless” pays homage to the master filmmaker without resorting to mere imitation. This reverence for Bergman’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the series, enriching the narrative and providing a subtle backdrop for the unfolding drama. Alfredson emphasized that these choices were not intended as superficial gestures but rather as a way to connect with the essence of Bergman’s artistic DNA. He sought to capture the spirit of Bergman’s work while simultaneously creating something new and distinct, a delicate balance between homage and originality.
The series expands on the original film by giving a more prominent role to Isabelle, Marianne and Markus’ daughter, played by Poppy Klintenberg Hardy. This decision emphasizes the collateral damage of infidelity and its lasting impact on families. Alfredson even consulted with Ingmar Bergman Jr., Bergman’s son with Gun Grut, the inspiration for Isabelle’s character. Bergman Jr.’s positive reaction to the series and his feeling of being ”seen” resonated deeply with Alfredson. While acknowledging the fictional nature of the work, Alfredson valued the affirmation that the portrayal felt authentic and respectful, a testament to the series’ emotional honesty and sensitivity. Ultimately, Alfredson’s “Faithless” stands as a powerful and independent work, a testament to the enduring power of Bergman’s original story and a bold reimagining for a new generation.
