Since its release, Secrets of Women, while not regarded as one of Bergman's strongest efforts, has nonetheless received positive reviews from film critics.

While waiting at a table for the arrival of their husbands who happen to be the Lobelius brothers, three women, Rakel, Karin, and Marta, begin talking and share secrets.

Encouraged by Rakel's candor, Marta tells of her own story, her affair with Eugen's brother Martin, a painter.

On a date that night, he discusses his intention to part ways with Marta, and asks what she had wanted to say, but she says she was only joking about having news.

After leaving the event, the couple enter an elevator, which malfunctions and becomes stuck, trapping Fredrik and Karin inside.

After the women have told their stories, Marta learns Maj is planning to run away with her lover, Henrik, son of the eldest brother Paul and his wife Annette, who was supposed to arrive with his father and uncles, but who secretly arrived earlier.

[1] Secrets of Women holds a 88% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, based on eight critics.