Possibly Bergman's saddest film. There's no room for joy in this deeply tragic exploration of a parent who cannot express or share love. Ingrid Bergman's Charlotte is the ugliest character I've seen her play on screen. She is selfishness and narcissism personified. The technical beauty of her artistry is ultimately worthless - given the sufferings of her children.
Its hard to reconcile the coldness of this character with Ilsa in Casablanca.
As for Liv Ullman - this might be her strongest performance. Her monologue of repressed rage finally coming undone is a highlight of Bergman's entire filmography, as is the film itself.
*This film completes my dive into the Bergman Box Set. One of the more rewarding artistic reviews I've ever completed. He is the true Humanist filmmaker. Perhaps Renoir's only true heir.
So yes - the much anticipated "Bergman" team-up was worth the wait. Would that they had made more films together.