Sisters 1968

Karin attempts to sell several articles to a newspaper editor, including anti-Vietnam War writing, but he declines to publish them. Her mother Gertrud, who is secretly suffering from stomach cancer and working as a cleaner, leaves a message with George Melin’s wife Ulla about a possible summer job for Karin at the newspaper he owns. Seeking freelance work, Karin attends a demonstration against Rhodesia, where she interviews protester Janne Meyer, who invites her to join the FNL. Facing financial difficulties, Georg and Ulla consider renting out a room, as their daughter Ingela is soon to be married. At an informal party and art exhibit, Lottie receives an offer for her art, while Karin and Janne meet again and have sex. To revive their struggling paper, Georg proposes hiring a young, radical journalist. Karin is soon offered a temporary job at Ystad Tidning, with accommodation at Georg’s house. She moves to Ystad, is assigned to cover a beauty pageant won by Ingela. She writes a critical article that is rejected by her editor. Karin also invites Lottie to live there and reports on a book club discussing The Feminine Mystique. Janne reunites with Karin in Ystad.

As Midsummer approaches, Karin interviews hotel maids and learns that Gottfrid is a groper. After Gottfrid lures Ingela to his office and tries to assault her, she confides in Karin and Lottie; they encourage her to make a political speech. During her crowning as Miss Ystad, the women stage a political protest with a banner where Lottie disrobes. Ingela’s parents scold her, but Ulla begins contemplating her own lack of independence. Rune is thrilled when Karin’s headline about the event makes the front page in Stockholm, and she discovers the hotel functions as a secret gentleman’s club. Mike shows up unexpectedly with his and Lottie’s daughter, Lily. Lottie has a sexual encounter with Mike, Janne, and Ingela. Karin is upset, leading Lottie to dismiss her as too conventional and reveal she previously had sex with Janne before the men leave for Paris. Ulla starts to suspect Georg may be interested in Karin. Amidst fears she may be pregnant, Karin prepares to interview Georg about Gottfrid’s parties. However, before she can confront him, Georg informs her that her mother, Gertrud, has died. Lottie drives a grieving Karin back to Stockholm.

Karin is devastated to learn that her mother knew she was going to die but did not want to disturb her work. Gertrud left her a letter revealing her father is Georg. Although grieving, Karin focuses on her article about Gottfrid's parties. Rune tells him about the story; Georg unsuccessfully tries to convince Karin to drop it. Karin infiltrates Gottfrid’s party. Ulla is overwhelmed by hosting duties. Håkan rebuffs Ingela after she initiates sex. Ingela connects Karin with an abortionist, but it is expensive. Lottie, who also read the letter, thinks Georg should pay. Karin steals a painting to cover the cost. Håkan learns Ingela is no longer a virgin and breaks off their engagement. Karin recovers from her abortion and informs Georg about the weekly illegal brothel at his hotel, as well as Gottfrid’s nude photos of young women, including Ingela. In part to protect his reputation, Georg plans fairer working conditions for the maids. Georg and Karin share a heartfelt conversation before she leaves for a permanent journalism job in Stockholm. Ingela visits Karin; she knows they are sisters and plans to study sociology. Karin reunites with Janne. In the final scene, Ulla attends a feminist meeting.