Early in the 20th century, middle-aged lawyer Fredrik Egerman and his young wife, Anne, have still not consummated their marriage, while Fredrik's son finds himself increasingly attracted to his new stepmother. To make matters worse, Fredrik's old flame Desiree makes a public bet that she can seduce him at a romantic weekend retreat where four couples convene, swapping partners and pairing off in unexpected ways.
When private eye John Hillman is on assignment in London his wife Kajsa visits the Army's riding school at Strömsholm, Sweden. She gets involved in the strange murder of the Blue Rider. Unknown to everyone at Strömsholm.
The four wives of four brothers share stories of their marriages as they wait for their husbands in a small, secluded cottage.
Susanne is a young woman who lives with her parents, parents that don’t really give a toss about her and spend more time entertaining guests and complaining about their fair daughter and her appearance. Agitated by her parents hassle and moaning during their chic dinner parties, Susanne takes off to a café where a lad she’s attracted to, Olle, is hanging out with his greaser mates. He invites her on a date the following evening during which they make out and drive way to fast – despite Susanne’s objections.
Crotchety retired doctor Isak Borg travels from Stockholm to Lund, Sweden, with his pregnant and unhappy daughter-in-law, Marianne, in order to receive an honorary degree from his alma mater. Along the way, they encounter a series of hitchhikers, each of whom causes the elderly doctor to muse upon the pleasures and failures of his own life. These include the vivacious young Sara, a dead ringer for the doctor's own first love.
About the life of the student, Bo Dahlin. Bo's parents are divorced. Both have been unfaithful. Bo is engaged to Kerstin, but only has eyes for Anita. Anita is filled with self-disgust.
"The Shadow" - Erik Vender is a librarian and married to Vivianne. Vivianne was previously married to a well-known lawyer who died when their daughter was very small. One evening, Vivianne asks Erik to read a novel draft "Skuggan/The Shadow". The content strongly touches Erik. Vivianne reveals that it is her ex-husband that wrote the script.