All Things Fair

In a quiet corner of Sweden, a 15-year-old student named Stig enters the orbit of his 37-year-old teacher, Viola. What begins as a collision of curiosity and beauty quickly deepens into a shared ache, as Viola seeks a break from a drunken, unhappy husband and Stig discovers a new, unsettling sense of adulthood. The relationship is depicted with a blend of tenderness and tension, never shying away from the vulnerability on both sides. As the pair navigate secrecy, social expectation, and the risks of crossing lines, the film probes how longing can blur boundaries, leaving both young and older figures altered by what they choose to pursue.

Directed by Bo Widerberg, All Things Fair was released in 1995 as a Swedish drama that centers on a fraught relationship between a man and a teacher. The film stars Johan Widerberg and Marika Lagercrantz in demanding, restrained performances, supported by a careful, intimate cinematic approach that emphasizes character over spectacle.

Box office: Information on worldwide gross for All Things Fair is not widely documented, reflecting its limited international release and status as a Swedish art drama rather than a mass market film.

Cultural impact: While not a global blockbuster, the film sparked discussion in Swedish cinema about the ethics of desire and age disparity. Critics and audiences noted Widerberg's calm, observational style that avoids sensationalism, letting uncomfortable questions linger. The film also stands out for its restrained portrayal of a power imbalance and for featuring Johan Widerberg, the director's son, in the lead. This personal dimension underscored the film's intimate, documentary feel and contributed to ongoing conversations about how Swedish cinema treats taboo subjects with nuance.

Reception & themes: Critics highlight the film's restrained handling of a controversial bond, emphasizing moral ambiguity, power dynamics, and the push and pull of desire. It asks what adults owe to young people and how secrecy tests trust and empathy. The performances stay steadily restrained, inviting viewers to weigh intent against consequences rather than sensationalizing the romance and its aftermath.