A journey to confront the pleasures and failures of life with hitchhikers, lovers and memories.
Watch the original version of Wild Strawberries
Prologue:
Isak Borg sat in his study, surrounded by books and memories. He was an old man now, retired from his long career as a doctor. He had lived a full life, full of both successes and failures. As he looked out the window at the passing scenery, he knew that he would soon be embarking on his final journey.
The University of Lund had offered him an honorary degree, and Isak had decided to make the journey from Stockholm to receive it. He would be traveling with his daughter-in-law, Marianne, who was carrying his grandchild. Isak had not seen his son or his wife in years, and he knew that this journey would bring them all together again.
But Isak was also aware that this journey would be a time of reflection. As he traveled through the countryside, he would be forced to confront his past, his present, and his future. He knew that he had done many good things in his life, but he was also aware that there were many things he had failed to do. As he packed his bags and prepared for the journey, he wondered what the future would hold.
Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
The morning of the journey was bright and clear, and Isak Borg was filled with a sense of anticipation. He had not been on a journey like this in years, and he was excited to see the countryside and to spend time with his daughter-in-law.
Marianne arrived at the house early, carrying a small bag and holding her hand protectively over her stomach. Isak had always admired Marianne, even though he knew that she was unhappy in her marriage to his son. He hoped that this journey would be a chance for them to connect on a deeper level.
They loaded their bags into the trunk of the car and set off on the long road to Lund. Isak drove slowly, taking in the scenery and pointing out landmarks to Marianne. They talked about their respective lives, and Isak was surprised to learn that Marianne had once had aspirations of becoming an actress.
As they drove, they encountered several hitchhikers, each of whom caused Isak to reflect on his own life. The first was a young man, who reminded Isak of his own young self. The man was surly and ungrateful, and Isak found himself becoming irritated with him. He saw the man’s youth and potential and wondered whether he had ever been that ungrateful in his own youth.
The second hitchhiker they encountered was a young couple, who were clearly unhappy with their lives. Isak recognized the signs of a failed marriage, and he wondered whether his own son and Marianne were destined for the same fate.
As they traveled, Marianne grew increasingly distant. She was clearly uncomfortable with the hitchhikers and the long journey, and Isak felt helpless to comfort her. He wondered whether his own failures as a father had contributed to her unhappiness.
As they approached their destination, Isak’s thoughts turned to the past. He remembered his own time at the University of Lund, where he had studied medicine and fallen in love with his first wife. He wondered whether the journey would bring back memories of his youth, and he hoped that it would give him a chance to reflect on his life and make peace with his mistakes.
As they pulled into the university town of Lund, Isak felt a sense of apprehension. He knew that the journey ahead of him would be difficult, but he was determined to face it head-on. As he turned off the engine and looked over at Marianne, he knew that this journey would be the most important of his life.
Chapter 2:
Isak, Marianne, and their hitchhiker, a volatile young man named Anders, continue their journey. Isak can’t help but see a reflection of his own youth in Anders, and he is both fascinated and repulsed by him. The tension between the two men grows as they continue to drive.
Marianne is visibly uncomfortable with Anders in the car and keeps her distance. Isak tries to make small talk, but Anders responds with short, sharp answers.
Isak reflects on his own youth and recklessness, thinking about the mistakes he made and the people he hurt. He recognizes some of himself in Anders, and it makes him uneasy.
As they drive, Anders begins to smoke and play loud music. Isak tries to remain calm, but the smoke and noise are too much for him. He turns to Marianne and asks her to tell Anders to stop. Marianne hesitates, but eventually asks Anders to turn down the music and stop smoking.
Anders becomes defensive and aggressive, saying that he has every right to smoke and listen to his music. He accuses Isak of being stuck in the past and unable to enjoy life. Isak bristles at this accusation, knowing that there is some truth to it.
Tensions continue to rise as they drive through the countryside. Isak reflects on his own mortality and the mistakes he has made in his life. He wonders if he will ever be able to make amends for the hurt he has caused.
As they approach a small town, Anders demands to be let out of the car. Isak pulls over, and Anders storms out, slamming the door behind him.
Isak and Marianne continue their journey, both of them feeling relieved to be rid of Anders. They make small talk, trying to ignore the tension that still lingers between them.
As they arrive at their next destination, Isak is grateful to be away from Anders and the memories he brought up. But he knows that he can’t escape his past forever and that he must confront it if he wants to find any kind of peace.
The chapter ends with Isak feeling compelled to confront his past mistakes and try to make amends, even if it means facing difficult truths and painful memories.
Chapter 3: They stop at a gas station and meet a couple, who Isak realizes have settled for an unfulfilled life. Marianne grows more distant.
As the journey continued, Isak, Marianne, and her unborn child stopped at a gas station in a small town. They encountered a middle-aged couple who were trying to fix their car. The couple looked tired and unhappy, with the man letting out a deep sigh as they approached. Isak offered to help, and the couple accepted.
As Isak worked on the car, he struck up a conversation with the man, whose name was Henrik. Henrik was a carpenter, and he and his wife, Agneta, lived in a small town a few miles away. They had two children, but they were grown up and had moved away. Henrik didn’t seem to have many positive things to say about his life, and Isak couldn’t help but wonder if he had settled for something less than he had wanted.
As he worked on the car, Isak’s mind wandered to his own life. He had achieved much success as a doctor, but he felt unfulfilled. He had failed to connect with his son, and he was unsure of his place in the world. Marianne, meanwhile, had grown more and more distant, barely speaking to Isak or acknowledging him. He felt a deep regret for his past actions that had led to this.
As he finished up with the car, Isak turned to Henrik and Agneta and said, “I hope you’re happy with your life.” Henrik looked taken aback, as if he had never considered that possibility. Agneta nodded her head and said, “We have each other,” but Isak could see the pain and regret in her eyes. He wanted to tell them that they deserved better, but he knew it wasn’t his place.
As they got back into the car and continued on their journey, Isak couldn’t shake the feeling that he had seen a glimpse of his own future in Henrik and Agneta. He thought of all the people he had met in his life and wondered if any of them had truly been happy. He wondered if it was too late for him to find that same contentment.
Marianne, meanwhile, had grown increasingly distant, lost in her own thoughts. Isak tried to make conversation, but she barely responded. He knew he had failed her as a father figure, and he didn’t know what he could do to make things right.
As they drove away from the gas station, Isak couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness. He had achieved much in his life, but he had failed at the one thing that mattered most – connecting with the people he loved. He looked out of the window and watched as the small town disappeared behind them, wondering if he would ever find the happiness that had eluded him for so long.
Chapter 4: The Spitting Image of His First Love
Isak, Marianne, and their volatile hitchhiker continue their journey through the lush countryside, marveling at the beauty of the scenery around them. As they drive, Isak’s attention is caught by a group of teenagers on the roadside, thumbing for a ride. Among them, he sees a young woman who looks so much like his first love, Agneta, that he feels as if he’s been transported back in time.
The hitchhiker pulls over, and the group piles in the back of the car. As they drive, Isak can’t take his eyes off the young woman, mesmerized by the way she moves, the sound of her voice. He remembers Agneta, the girl he met at a summer house as a young man, and the way she had taken his breath away. He thinks of the missed opportunity, of how he let her go because he was too afraid to take a chance.
Isak’s thoughts are interrupted by the sound of laughter from the backseat, and he realizes that the hitchhikers are making fun of him. He feels foolish, exposed, and he longs for the past when he was young and sure of himself. He feels like he’s lost that person, that he’s become someone who can be mocked by teenagers in the back of a car.
As they drop off the teenagers at their destination, Isak can’t shake the feeling of regret. He wishes he could go back in time, make different choices, take a chance on love. He feels as though his life has been a series of missed opportunities, of moments when he could have done something different but didn’t.
Marianne notices Isak’s melancholy and tries to comfort him, but he shrugs her off. He’s lost in his own thoughts, consumed by the memory of Agneta and the path not taken. He wonders if he’ll ever be able to move on, if he’ll ever feel truly alive again.
As they continue their journey, Isak becomes more and more preoccupied with the past. He wonders what might have been, what his life would look like if he had taken a different path. Marianne tries to engage him in conversation, but he’s distant, lost in his own thoughts.
At last, they arrive at their destination, a rural guesthouse where they’ll spend the night. Isak dreams of Agneta, of what might have been, and wakes up feeling even more regretful. He wonders if it’s too late for him, if his life is already predetermined, if he’s missed his chance for happiness.
As he lies in bed, he realizes that he needs to make a change. He needs to take a chance, to do something different, to live without regret. He resolves to take action, to make a move, to embrace life and all its possibilities.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Isak falls back asleep, dreaming of the future rather than the past. As he drifts off, he sees a vision of Agneta smiling at him, as if to say that it’s never too late to make things right.
Chapter 5: They stay at a rural guesthouse where Isak dreams of his own death. He confronts Marianne about her marriage.
As Isak and Marianne approach the guesthouse, they are greeted by the tranquil beauty of the surrounding countryside. The air is clean and fresh, and the trees sway gently in the breeze.
As they enter the guesthouse, Isak is struck by its rustic charm. The wooden beams, the stone walls, and the thatched roof all combine to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Marianne is less impressed, and her growing discomfort with Isak is apparent.
After settling into their room, Isak takes a nap, only to be confronted by a vivid dream in which he is dead. The dream is unsettling, and he wakes up feeling disoriented and confused.
When he sits down to dinner with Marianne, he finds that his appetite has vanished. Instead, he confronts Marianne about her troubled marriage. She is defensive at first, but Isak’s gentle probing forces her to confront her own unhappiness.
As the conversation continues, Isak realizes that he is projecting his own regrets onto Marianne. He sees in her the same fear and uncertainty that he has battled throughout his life. He resolves to help her find a way to happiness, even if he cannot find it for himself.
The next day, Isak explores the countryside around the guesthouse, taking in its beauty and serenity. He meets a farmer who is tending his fields, and they strike up a conversation. The farmer tells Isak about his own struggles and triumphs, and Isak finds himself inspired by the man’s quiet resilience.
When he returns to the guesthouse, he finds Marianne sitting alone on the front porch. She is lost in thought, and Isak approaches her gently. They sit in silence for a while, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Finally, Isak speaks. He tells Marianne that he wants to help her find a way to happiness, even if it means confronting some difficult truths about herself and her marriage. Marianne is taken aback by his sudden intensity, but she senses the deep compassion and wisdom in his words.
For the rest of their stay at the guesthouse, Isak and Marianne talk openly and honestly about their fears, their regrets, and their hopes for the future. They find a deep connection and understanding, and Isak feels a sense of fulfillment that he has not experienced in years.
As they leave the guesthouse, Isak feels a renewed sense of purpose. He is still uncertain about his own future, but he knows that he can make a difference in the lives of those around him. He looks forward to the next leg of their journey with a sense of hope and determination.
Chapter 6: Isak’s Family Reunion
As the trio arrived at their destination for the family reunion, Isak felt a mix of emotions. He was anxious about seeing his family again after so many years and was unsure of how they would react to his presence. Isak’s fears were well-founded as his relatives were cold and distant towards him, and he quickly realized that they had not forgiven him for his past mistakes.
When Isak’s son, Evald, arrived with his new partner, Berit, tensions rose. Isak’s disapproval was palpable, and Berit soon picked up on it. Isak’s daughter-in-law, Marianne, tried to smooth things over, but the situation remained tense.
As the reunion progressed, Isak found himself reflecting on his distant and unsuccessful relationships with his family. He had been physically present but emotionally absent, and now he regretted it. Isak realized that he had never been fully present in any of his relationships, including with his first love. He had been so focused on his own ambitions and desires that he had neglected the people around him.
Isak’s thoughts were interrupted by a sudden announcement from his sister-in-law that she had prepared a surprise for Isak. She had arranged for a group of musicians to come and play his favorite song, which happened to be the same song he had danced to with his first love. Isak was momentarily transported back to his youth, where he relived his first love, but he quickly came back to reality and was overwhelmed with a sense of regret.
After the performance, Isak decided to leave the reunion early. He retreated to a quiet room and found himself staring out of the window, lost in thought. As he gazed into the distance, he realized that he had been living his life all wrong. He had focused so much on his career and his own ambitions that he had neglected the people who mattered most to him.
As he sat there, deep in thought, Marianne walked in, and they had a heart-to-heart conversation. Isak told her that he regretted neglecting her and her marriage to his son. Marianne, in turn, told him that she was unhappy in her marriage, and she feared that she would end up like him if she did not make a change.
Isak realized that his past mistakes had affected not only himself but also the people around him. He knew that he would never be able to change the past, but he could make a difference in the present. He decided to take responsibility for his actions and try to make amends with his family.
The chapter ends with Isak in deep reflection as he contemplates how to make things right with his family. The reunion has made him realize that he has been living his life all wrong, and he now sees the importance of being present in his relationships. He has a lot of work to do, but for the first time in a long time, Isak feels like he has a purpose.
Chapter 7:
Isak, Marianne, and the hitchhiker they picked up earlier, Viktor, continue their journey towards Lund. They stop at a roadside cafe where they meet a young woman named Sara. Isak is immediately struck by her uncanny resemblance to his first love.
As they chat, Isak finds himself drawn to Sara’s vivacious personality and her romantic idealism. They share stories about their respective loves and losses, and Isak begins to feel a sense of connection with her that he hasn’t felt in years.
Marianne, on the other hand, is growing increasingly impatient with the delay and the distraction of their new acquaintance. She sees Isak’s interest in Sara as a threat to their journey and to their relationship.
As the trio continues their journey, Isak finds himself preoccupied with thoughts of Sara. He begins to question the choices he made in his youth and the missed opportunities he’s had in his life. He sees a chance to make up for lost time with Sara, and wonders if he should pursue her.
Marianne, meanwhile, is struggling with her own unhappiness. She’s pregnant and unhappy in her marriage, and she sees Isak’s interest in Sara as a reflection of his dissatisfaction with her.
When they arrive at their destination, Isak and Marianne have a heated argument about their relationship and the direction of their lives. Isak realizes that he needs to make a choice between pursuing a new love and holding onto the relationships he already has.
In the end, Isak decides to let go of his feelings for Sara and focus on repairing his relationship with Marianne. He recognizes that the past cannot be changed, but that he has the power to shape his future.
As Isak receives his honorary degree, he thinks back on his journey and the people he met along the way. He realizes that each encounter has taught him something about himself and about life. And as he walks through the old university campus, he sees a young student who reminds him of his own youth. He smiles, knowing that his journey is far from over.
Chapter 8: Isak Returns Home
Isak had always been conflicted about his family home. It held fond memories of his childhood and youth, but it also reminded him of his failures and regrets. As he drove down the familiar roads, he felt a mix of emotions.
Upon arriving at the house, Isak took a moment to take it all in. The house seemed smaller than he remembered, the garden overgrown and unkempt. The front porch creaked as he stepped on it, and the door made a familiar squeak as he pushed it open.
Inside, Isak was met with the familiar smell of his childhood. The house was empty, but it was as if his mother and father were still there. Isak walked around, touching the old furniture and trinkets that held nostalgic significance.
As he was about to leave, Isak heard a voice. It was his mother’s voice, calling him from the old rocking chair in the corner of the room. Isak moved towards the chair and sat down across from her, feeling a strange sense of comfort.
“Isak, my dear boy,” his mother said, “Why have you come back?”
“I don’t know,” Isak replied, feeling apprehensive.
“I see,” his mother said, her eyes seeming to look through him. “You’ve lived a long and complicated life. Tell me, what do you regret the most?”
Isak thought for a moment before answering. “My failures as a father,” he admitted, feeling a pang of guilt. “I was never there for my son. I focused too much on my career and my own desires.”
His mother looked at him with understanding in her eyes. “That’s a heavy burden to bear, my dear. But it’s never too late to make amends. You have a chance now to make things right.”
Isak felt a sense of hope at his mother’s words. Perhaps there was still a chance to repair his relationship with his son.
As he was about to leave, Isak heard another voice. It was his father, calling him from the kitchen. Isak made his way into the room and saw his father sitting at the table, his pipe in hand.
“Isak,” his father said, “My boy. What brings you back here?”
Isak sat down across from him, feeling a sense of unease. “I don’t know,” he admitted again.
His father took a long drag on his pipe before speaking. “You’ve always been a complicated man, Isak. You’ve had great successes and even greater failures. But tell me, what do you regret the most?”
Isak thought for a moment before answering. “My lack of empathy,” he said finally. “I’ve been so focused on myself and my own pain that I’ve never truly considered the pain of others. I’ve been distant and cold.”
His father nodded slowly. “That’s a heavy burden to bear, my boy. But it’s not too late to change. You can make a difference in the world, even now.”
Isak left the house feeling a sense of closure. He knew that his parents’ words had held a deeper meaning than he could fully understand. As he drove away, he felt a sense of peace and a renewed sense of purpose.
Throughout the rest of the journey, Isak thought about his experiences at the family reunion and his encounters with the hitchhikers. He realized that he had been living his life in a selfish and self-absorbed manner. He had been so focused on his own pain and regret that he had failed to see the pain and regret of those around him.
As he arrived in Lund to receive his honorary degree, Isak felt a renewed sense of hope. He realized that it was never too late to change and that he still had a chance to make things right.
Chapter 9:
Isak and Marianne finally part ways, and Isak heads towards his family home. Along the way, he stops at a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat. As he eats, he overhears the waitress talking about a car accident that occurred nearby. He offers to help and makes his way to the scene of the accident.
When he arrives, he finds a couple in their car who have been in a collision. They are shaken, but thankfully, not seriously injured. Isak offers to help them get their car off the road and make arrangements to have it fixed. The couple is grateful for his assistance, and they share a moment of gratitude before Isak continues on his journey.
As he reaches his family home, Isak is flooded with memories of his childhood. He walks through the old house, the rooms now empty and silent. He finds himself standing in front of his mother’s old bedroom and can’t help but feel a sense of longing for her. Suddenly, he hears her voice calling his name.
Isak is startled and turns around to face the hallway. His parents’ bedroom door is open, and he can see his mother sitting on the bed, smiling at him. He walks into the room as if in a dream, and is overcome with emotion as he sees his father sitting beside her. They are both happy to see him and proud of his accomplishments.
They talk for a while, reminiscing about old times and discussing the future. Isak’s father tells him that he is proud of him and that he has achieved everything he set out to accomplish. Isak is grateful for his father’s kind words, and they embrace in a warm hug.
As Isak leaves the room, he hears his mother’s voice once more. She tells him that everything will be alright and that he needs to focus on living in the present moment. Isak takes her words to heart, and as he leaves the old family home, he feels a sense of peace that he hasn’t felt in years.
Isak makes his way back to his hotel room, feeling more connected to the world around him than ever before. When he arrives, he finds a letter from Marianne waiting for him. She has reconciled with her husband and is happy to announce that she is expecting a baby. Isak is overjoyed at the news and writes back to congratulate her.
The next day, Isak attends the ceremony to receive his honorary degree. He is surrounded by his proud family, including his estranged son and his new partner. As he accepts the degree, Isak feels a sense of accomplishment but also a newfound sense of purpose.
In the closing scene, Isak walks through his old university campus and reflects on his life. He sees a young student who reminds him of his own youth and smiles. He knows that his journey is not over yet, and that he has much left to experience in this world.
Chapter 10:
As Isak walks through the old university campus, he reflects on his life and his journey so far. He recalls the people he met on his trip with Marianne and how each one of them had helped him confront his past and present failures. He thinks about how he had always been a crotchety old doctor, but that his journey had allowed him to see things in a different light.
It’s a beautiful day, and as he walks, he sees students out enjoying the sunshine, laughing and talking with each other. He sees a young woman with blonde hair and freckles, and she reminds him of Sara – the woman who had caused him to reflect on his past and confront his regrets.
He walks past his old classroom and sees a young student inside, studying with fervor. The student looks up, and Isak sees himself in the young man’s eyes. He smiles and continues walking, wondering what the future holds for this young man.
As he walks, he realizes that, despite his age and his regrets, there is still time for him to make the most of his life. He remembers Sara’s words – “It’s never too late to be who you might have been” – and knows that he can still change his future.
As he reaches the end of his journey, he reflects on the people he has met and the things he has learned. He thinks about his estranged son and daughter-in-law and wonders if it’s too late to repair their relationship. He thinks about Marianne and her unhappy marriage and hopes that she can find the happiness she deserves.
Finally, he reaches the hall where he will receive his honorary degree. He sees Marianne in the audience, smiling at him. He feels proud of his achievement, but also grateful for the journey that brought him there.
As he walks up to receive his degree, he realizes that he is not alone – he is surrounded by people who have helped him along the way. He sees his old colleagues and the professors who had taught him so much. He sees the hitchhikers who had challenged him to reflect on his past, and he sees Sara, the woman who had helped him confront his deepest regrets.
He accepts his degree with gratitude, knowing that it symbolizes not just his own accomplishments, but the journey that had brought him to this point. He looks out at the audience and sees the faces of his family and friends, and he feels a sense of peace and contentment.
As he leaves the hall, he smiles to himself, knowing that there is still so much more to discover and learn. He realizes that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but that each one of them is a chance to grow and change.
As he steps out into the sunlight, he feels alive and free, ready to embrace whatever comes next. He knows that his journey is far from over, but that he is ready for whatever challenges and joys lie ahead.
And with that thought, he takes a deep breath and walks out into the world, ready for whatever the future holds.
Some scenes from the movie Wild Strawberries written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – DAY
We see Isak Borg, 80s, a retired doctor, walking slowly down a busy street. He stops to look at a group of young people, laughing and joking on the corner. A sense of longing and regret washes over him.
CUT TO:
INT. ISAK’S APARTMENT – DAY
Isak is packing his bags for the trip to Lund to receive his honorary degree. His daughter-in-law, Marianne, 30s, enters the room.
MARIANNE: Do you really need to take all these books with you?
ISAK: Of course. I need something to occupy my mind on the journey.
MARIANNE: (sighing) I’ll go make us some tea.
Isak watches her leave, a sense of unease creeping in.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN – DAY
Marianne pours tea into mugs. Isak enters the room.
ISAK: Marianne, there’s something I need to ask you.
MARIANNE: (putting down the kettle) What is it?
ISAK: (pausing) Are you happy in your marriage?
Marianne looks shocked.
MARIANNE: What do you mean?
ISAK: (sighing) I’ve seen the way you and my son interact. There’s no love between you.
Marianne looks down at the floor.
MARIANNE: (quietly) I’m pregnant.
Isak stares at her, a mixture of shock and sadness on his face.
ISAK: (after a moment) We should get going. We have a long journey ahead.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET – DAY
Isak and Marianne load their bags into the car. Isak looks out at the passing scenery, lost in thought.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
Genre: Drama/Coming of age
Logline: A retired doctor embarks on a road trip with his pregnant daughter-in-law, encountering a series of hitchhikers who force him to reflect on his past and present failures, and to confront his own mortality.
Character Development:
Isak Borg – A crotchety and withdrawn retired doctor who is haunted by his past failures and haunted by his own mortality.
Marianne – Isak’s pregnant daughter-in-law, who is unhappy in her marriage and looking for a new beginning.
The Hitchhiker – A volatile young man who represents the impulsive and unrestrained youth that Isak himself once embodied.
INT. CAR – DAY
Isak, Marianne, and the Hitchhiker are driving down a winding highway, surrounded by lush greenery. Marianne appears nervous, clutching her stomach protectively.
HITCHHIKER:
So where are you guys headed?
ISAK:
Lund. I’m to receive an honorary degree from my alma mater.
HITCHHIKER:
Wow, impressive. What did you study?
ISAK:
Medicine.
HITCHHIKER:
Really? That’s a noble profession.
ISAK:
Yes, well, it’s not what it used to be. But enough about me. What about you? What do you do?
HITCHHIKER:
I don’t do much of anything. Just travel around, see the world.
ISAK:
And what do you hope to find?
HITCHHIKER:
I don’t know. Something real, I guess. Something authentic.
ISAK:
(chuckles) Good luck with that.
Marianne fidgets nervously in the passenger seat, casting anxious looks back at the Hitchhiker.
MARIANNE:
Maybe we should drop him off at the next station.
ISAK:
Why? He’s harmless enough.
MARIANNE:
I don’t know, he seems kind of unstable.
ISAK:
(sternly) That’s not a very fair judgment to make. We hardly know him.
The Hitchhiker fidgets in his seat and lights a cigarette, causing Marianne to cough.
MARIANNE:
(smiling weakly) Sorry, it’s just the smoke. I’m pregnant, you know.
HITCHHIKER:
(laughing) Oh, really? Congratulations. That’s great.
ISAK:
(glancing over) Yes, we’re all very excited.
MARIANNE:
(sotto voce) Can we please just drop him off?
ISAK:
(shaking his head) We’re not dropping anyone off. We picked him up, we keep him until we reach our destination.
The Hitchhiker grins and takes another drag of his cigarette, settling back into his seat. The tension in the car is palpable.
Scene 3
INT. GAS STATION – DAY
Isak, Marianne, and their hitchhiker stop at a gas station. Isak fills up the car as Marianne stays inside, looking out the window.
A couple, LARS and ELSA, pulls up next to them in their car. Isak recognizes them as former colleagues of his.
ISAK
(starts refilling the car)
Lars! Elsa! How long has it been?
LARS
(smiling)
Isak! It must be fifteen years.
ELSAS
(hugging Isak)
It’s so good to see you, Isak.
ISAK
(still filling the car)
How’s life treating you?
LARS
(leans against his car)
Well, we can’t complain. We’re just driving back from a weekend up north.
ISAK
(smiling)
Sounds lovely.
ELSA
(sighing)
It was alright. We’ve been feeling a bit unfulfilled lately, to be honest.
Isak looks at Marianne, who is now getting out of the car.
ISAK
(to Elsa)
This is my daughter-in-law, Marianne.
ELSA
(extending her hand)
Nice to meet you, Marianne.
MARIANNE
(smiling)
Likewise.
Isak finishes refilling the car and they say goodbye to Lars and Elsa.
ISAK
(to Marianne)
You know, that’s the thing about life. It’s easy to settle for mediocrity. But we should always strive for more.
MARIANNE
(eyes narrowed)
What’s that supposed to mean?
ISAK
(sighing)
Just a thought.
They get back into the car and resume their journey.
Scene 4
Screenplay by : ChatGPT-4
INT. CAR – DAY
ISAK (80s) and his pregnant daughter-in-law, MARIANNE (30s), travel down a scenic country road. They approach a group of TEENAGERS waving their arms for a ride.
ISAK:
(pause)
The young boy on the far right
is the spitting image of an old
flame of mine.
MARIANNE:
(startled)
Oh?
ISAK pulls over and the teenagers jump in the back.
TEENAGER 1:
Hey, thanks for the ride!
ISAK:
(to teenager 2)
What’s your name?
TEENAGER 2:
I’m Simon. And that’s my sister,
Sara.
ISAK takes a second look at SARA (20s) and the memories flood back.
ISAK:
(pause)
You bear a striking resemblance to
a young woman I once knew.
SARA:
(smiling)
Really? Who’s that?
ISAK:
(pause)
My first love.
MARIANNE rolls her eyes and tunes out the conversation.
SIMON:
(to Isak)
That’s sweet, man. Did you guys
ever get together?
ISAK:
(laughs)
No. But I see now that it was
meant to be that way.
MARIANNE glances back at Isak, surprised by his uncharacteristically positive outlook.
SARA:
(to Isak)
Thank you for sharing that with me.
ISAK:
(smiling)
Thank you for the ride.
As they drive away, Isak gazes out the window, lost in thought.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 5
EXT. RURAL GUESTHOUSE – DAY
Isak, Marianne and their hitchhiker arrive at a quaint guesthouse in the countryside. They exit the car and Isak takes in the serene surroundings.
ISAK
(to Marianne)
This is where we’ll be staying. It’s peaceful here, isn’t it?
MARIANNE
(somberly)
It’s fine.
Isak furrows his brow, sensing Marianne’s despondency.
INT. GUESTHOUSE – DAY
Isak and Marianne enter their room. Marianne plops down on the bed while Isak surveys the space.
ISAK
(to Marianne)
I’ll go get us settled in. Maybe we can go for a walk later?
MARIANNE
(sarcastically)
Sounds like a blast.
Isak sighs and exits the room. He walks back outside and sees a group of guests milling about. One woman in particular, an artist named Karin, catches his eye. He approaches her.
ISAK
(to Karin)
Hello there. I’m Isak.
KARIN
(smiling)
Karin. It’s nice to meet you, Isak.
They chat for a while, bonding over their shared love of art. Marianne watches from a distance, looking hurt.
INT. GUESTHOUSE DINING ROOM – DAY
Isak, Marianne and their hitchhiker sit in the dining room, eating a meal. Isak tries to engage Marianne in conversation, but she’s unresponsive.
ISAK
(to hitchhiker)
What about you? What are you studying?
HITCHHIKER
(defensively)
I’m not in school.
ISAK
(interested)
Oh? What do you do then?
HITCHHIKER
(bitterly)
Does it matter? I’m just a stupid kid to you.
Isak looks taken aback by the hitchhiker’s response. Marianne gets up abruptly from the table, causing her chair to scrape loudly against the floor.
MARIANNE
(to Isak)
Excuse me.
She storms out of the dining room, leaving Isak and the hitchhiker behind.
ISAK
(to hitchhiker)
I’ll be back.
Isak hurries after Marianne.
EXT. GUESTHOUSE – DAY
Isak finds Marianne sitting on a bench outside. She’s crying.
ISAK
(sympathetically)
Hey. What’s wrong?
MARIANNE
(through tears)
I can’t do this anymore, Isak. I can’t pretend everything is okay.
ISAK
(grimly)
What do you mean?
MARIANNE
(struggling to get the words out)
I’m not happy. With my life. With my marriage.
Isak takes a deep breath, understanding the gravity of Marianne’s confession.
ISAK
(gently)
What do you want to do?
MARIANNE
(voice shaking)
I don’t know.
Isak takes Marianne’s hand.
ISAK
(resolutely)
It’s okay, Marianne. We’ll figure it out together.
They sit in silence for a few moments, both soaking in the weight of what’s just been said.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
EXT. A FAMILY REUNION – DAY
Isak Borg, a retired doctor, is attending a family reunion in the countryside. He stands at the edge of a crowded garden, watching his relatives bustle about with plates of food.
ISAK
(to himself)
It’s been so long since I’ve seen any of them. Was it really worth coming all this way?
He looks over and sees his son, Evald, approaching him.
EVALD
Hey, Dad. I’m glad you made it.
ISAK
(smiling)
Of course. It’s not every day a man gets an honorary degree from his alma mater.
Evald looks around at the gathering.
EVALD
Yeah, I guess it’s a big deal.
ISAK
(uncomfortable)
What’s wrong, Evald?
Evald hesitates.
EVALD
Marianne’s not coming.
ISAK
(surprised)
What? Why not?
EVALD
(sighing)
She’s not feeling well. She’s been having complications with the pregnancy.
Isak looks at Evald, concerned.
ISAK
(intense)
Why didn’t you tell me earlier? We should get her to a hospital.
EVALD
(calmly)
She’s already been admitted to the hospital. She’s fine. The doctor said she just needs to rest.
Isak nods, relieved.
ISAK
(exhaling)
Good. That’s good. Is there anything we can do?
EVALD
(looking off)
Actually, there is. I want you to meet someone.
Evald leads Isak to a nearby table, where a young woman is helping herself to a plate of food. Her name is Anna.
EVALD(CONT’D)
(sheepishly)
This is Anna. My, uh, partner.
Isak looks at Anna, then back at Evald.
ISAK
(startled)
Partner?
ANNA
(sympathetic)
Yes. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner. We wanted to wait until we were sure it was serious.
ISAK
(exhaling)
No, no. It’s fine. I’m happy for you, I really am.
Anna smiles, and Isak takes a seat at the table with them. They begin to chat and eat, and Isak feels a sense of belonging he hasn’t experienced in a long time.
FADE OUT.
Scene 7
INT. A FOREST TRAIL – DAY
ISAK, Marianne, and Sara walk through a peaceful forest. Sara is an outgoing and free-spirited woman, who is a doppelganger of Isak’s first love. Isak is captivated by her presence.
SARA
So, Isak, tell me about your life. What have you learned?
ISAK
(smiling)
I have learned that life is a journey, full of twists and turns. You never know where it will take you.
SARA
(eyes twinkling)
Tell me about your first love. What happened?
ISAK
(lost in thought)
She was something special. I was young and foolish, and I let her go. I regret that decision every day.
Sara takes Isak’s hand, and Marianne looks on, feeling left out.
SARA
(laughing)
Well, maybe it’s time to make amends. You never know what life will bring.
Suddenly, they come across a hidden clearing, with a beautiful lake in the center. They stop to take in the view.
ISAK
(awed)
This is stunning. I never knew this was here.
SARA
(smiling)
It’s one of my secret spots. I come here to think and recharge.
As they sit by the lake, they begin to talk about their regrets and their dreams. Isak admits that he has been unhappy since his wife died, and Sara encourages him to take a chance on life.
SARA
(optimistic)
Life is short. We have to make the most of every moment we have. Don’t waste it on regrets.
As they leave the clearing, Isak is filled with a renewed sense of purpose. He realizes that he has been living in the past, and it’s time to embrace the present.
ISAK
(energized)
Thank you, Sara. You’ve shown me that there is more to life than I ever imagined.
SARA
(hugging Isak)
You’re welcome. Now go out there and live your life to the fullest.
As they continue on their journey, Isak is filled with a newfound energy and enthusiasm for life. The trio walks off into the sunset, ready for whatever challenges and adventures lie ahead.
