Autumn Sonata
A devoted wife is visited by her mother, a successful concert pianist who had little time for her when she was young.
Directed by Ingmar Bergman · Drama · Music · 99 min · 1978
Trailer
Director
Ingmar Bergman
Writer
Ingmar Bergman
Studio
ITC Entertainment
Release
18 Oct 1978
Runtime
99 min
Genres
Drama, Music
Full Plot
After having neglected her children for many years, world famous pianist Charlotte visits her daughter Eva in her home. To her surprise she finds her other daughter, Helena, there as well. Helena is mentally disabled, and Eva has taken Helena out of the institution where their mother had placed her. The tension between Charlotte and Eva only builds up slowly, until a nightly conversation releases all the things they have wanted to tell each other.
Cast & Characters
Charlotte Andergast
Ingrid Bergman
Eva
Liv Ullmann
Helena
Lena Nyman
Viktor
Halvar Björk
Charlotte's private secretary
Marianne Aminoff
Uncle Otto
Arne Bang-Hansen
Paul
Gunnar Björnstrand
Josef
Erland Josephson
Leonardo
Georg Løkkeberg
Piano instructor
Mimi Pollak
Eva as a child
Linn Ullmann
Did You Know?
Ingmar Bergman has directed 3 films in our catalog, including Wild Strawberries, The Seventh Seal.
Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02
In the Chicago Reader, Dave Kehr opined that Autumn Sonata "makes good chamber music: it's a crafted miniature with Bergman's usual bombast built, for once, into the plot requirements.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-03
Critical Assessment
Autumn Sonata holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (41,472 votes), 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of August 11, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.1/10 on IMDb (41,472 votes), 85% on Rotten Tomatoes), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Sonata's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
Autumn Sonata holds a 85% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Autumn Sonata's IMDb rating?+
Autumn Sonata has a 8.1/10 rating on IMDb from 41,472 votes.
Is Autumn Sonata good? What are critics saying?+
Autumn Sonata holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (41,472 votes), 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.
How long is Autumn Sonata?+
Autumn Sonata has a runtime of 99 min.
Who directed Autumn Sonata?+
Autumn Sonata was directed by Ingmar Bergman.
Where can I watch Autumn Sonata?+
Autumn Sonata is available to stream, rent, or buy on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, BFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, BFI Player Apple TV Channel.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The movie has been praised for its intense performances and exploration of dysfunctional relationships, particularly the complex bond between Ingmar Bergman's "Eva" and Ingrid Bergman's "Charlotte". Reviewers have noted that Bergman brings a sense of urgency to the story through his direction. The film's visceral drama and stunning performances are also highlighted as key aspects of its appeal.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
Wow. Just wow. Ingmar Bergman really outdid himself this time. His movies are always a thoughtful watch because they're usually out somewhere on a parallel spiritual plane. This one, however, has two new characteristics: First, he's completely up-in-your-face about dysfunctional…
badelf · 9/10The intensity with which Ingmar Bergman brings together truly stunning performances from Liv Ullmann ("Eva") trying to reconcile with her chronically back pain ridden mother "Charlotte" (Ingrid Bergman) is fascinating to watch in this powerful, visceral drama. The relationship ha…
CinemaSerf · 7/10
