Fanny and Alexander (re-release) Christian Review
Fanny and Alexander, Ingmar Bergman’s deeply personal, haunting masterpiece, is a film that explores the messy, often contradictory nature of life itself. It’s hard to overstate the emotional complexity of this story, set in early 20th-century Sweden, with its tapestry of family life, spiritual conflict, and an almost gothic confrontation with suffering and the unknown. As a Christian watching this film, I found myself caught between moments of wonder and unease, moved by its beauty, and troubled by the darker, more ominous undercurrents that Bergman is so famous for. This is a film that’s not easy to pin down, and that’s where its power lies.
Childhood as a Window into the Divine
From the outset, Fanny and Alexander thrusts us into the lives of two children—Fanny and Alexander—whose experiences form the core of the narrative. The film’s early scenes are almost idyllic, depicting a large, loving family gathering to celebrate Christmas. There’s warmth, laughter, and a sense of tradition that seems to envelop the viewer. In these moments, childhood is presented as a space of safety and wonder, where the line between fantasy and reality blurs. Alexander, in particular, is a boy with a vivid imagination, seeing things that others do not. He represents something deeply spiritual—a reminder of Christ’s call for us to have faith like little children, open to the mysteries of life.
But this portrayal of childhood is not without its shadows. When their father dies suddenly, the world of these children collapses, especially for Alexander, whose innocence is shattered. His encounters with fear, death, and authority are visceral and unsettling, making the viewer acutely aware of the vulnerability of the young. This complexity—childhood as both magical and deeply fragile—feels true to life, and as Christians, we can’t ignore the spiritual significance of this. We’re reminded of the tension that exists between innocence and the inevitable confrontation with suffering, a reality that Jesus Himself speaks to when He warns that “in this world, you will have trouble.”
Authority and the Tyranny of False Religion
One of the most disturbing elements of Fanny and Alexander is the portrayal of the children’s stepfather, Bishop Edvard Vergérus, who comes into their lives after their mother, Emilie, remarries. At first, the bishop seems to be a man of God—stern but righteous, someone who might offer stability and guidance. However, it doesn’t take long before his true nature is revealed, and it’s not one of grace or love, but of control and cruelty. The bishop’s home is a place of darkness, both metaphorically and literally, filled with rigid rules, coldness, and fear.
In many ways, the bishop represents a type of religious authority that is devoid of the Gospel’s transformative love. He uses his power not to uplift or care for the vulnerable, but to oppress and break their spirits. His brand of faith is rooted in legalism and authoritarianism, which, as Christians, we must recognize as a perversion of what true faith is meant to be. Jesus came to bring life, not to create more burdens, and the bishop’s approach to religion stands as a stark warning against the dangers of turning faith into a weapon of control.
Watching the scenes where Alexander, in particular, suffers under the bishop’s rule, I couldn’t help but think of how often religion has been twisted into something harmful. And yet, the film doesn’t leave us in despair. In the end, there is a way out, a path to liberation, even in the face of such oppression.
The Spiritual Realm: Where Heaven and Earth Meet
One of the more fascinating aspects of Fanny and Alexander is its treatment of the supernatural. Throughout the film, the spiritual world seems to intrude on the everyday, blurring the line between what is real and what is imagined. Ghosts appear, visions are seen, and Alexander himself seems attuned to this invisible realm. While Bergman doesn’t offer a traditional Christian perspective on the afterlife, his portrayal of the spiritual feels authentic in its mystery.
As Christians, we believe in a spiritual realm that exists alongside our physical one. Angels, demons, and the presence of God Himself are not abstract concepts but real forces that interact with our world. In Fanny and Alexander, the ghosts that haunt the family are not necessarily evil, but they are unsettling, reminding us that there are forces at work in the world beyond what we can see or understand.
There’s something deeply resonant about this, especially when we consider the Christian belief in the unseen battle between good and evil. The presence of these spiritual beings serves as a reminder that we are part of a larger story, one that extends beyond the physical world and into eternity.
Redemption and Hope: The Christian Response
What makes Fanny and Alexander so compelling is that, despite its darker moments, it is ultimately a film about hope and redemption. After enduring the cruelty of their stepfather, the children are eventually rescued by their extended family. The grandmother’s home, filled with love, warmth, and a deep sense of belonging, stands in sharp contrast to the cold, oppressive atmosphere of the bishop’s house. This return to safety feels like a resurrection of sorts, a reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always the possibility of new life.
For Christians, this theme of redemption is central to our faith. We believe that no matter how much we suffer, no matter how lost we may feel, God is always at work, offering us the hope of new beginnings. This is beautifully captured in the final scenes of Fanny and Alexander, where the children are once again surrounded by love and community. It’s a reminder that, while suffering is a part of life, it is not the end of the story.
Beauty and Art as a Reflection of the Divine
Another striking feature of Fanny and Alexander is its sheer visual beauty. Bergman, working with his longtime cinematographer Sven Nykvist, creates a film that is lush, colorful, and rich in detail. Every frame feels carefully crafted, a work of art in itself. As a Christian, I found myself reflecting on how beauty in art can be a reflection of the divine. In a world that is often marred by pain and suffering, beauty serves as a reminder of God’s presence and goodness.
The film’s aesthetic is not just about pleasing the eye—it serves a deeper purpose. The beauty of the Ekdahl family’s home, the richness of their traditions, and the warmth of their relationships all point to something transcendent. In a way, it feels like a glimpse of heaven, a place where love and light reign.
Conclusion: A Spiritual Journey
In the end, Fanny and Alexander is more than just a film—it’s an exploration of the human soul. It confronts us with the realities of suffering and oppression, but it also offers us hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is light. For Christians, this light is the presence of God, always at work, always offering redemption.
Bergman may not have intended for this film to be seen through a Christian lens, but its themes of suffering, redemption, and the beauty of life resonate deeply with the Christian worldview. It is a film that challenges us, moves us, and ultimately leaves us with a sense of awe at the complexity and wonder of life.
Rating: 9/10
