Ingmar Bergman identified previous films he had made with similar themes as "The Virgin Spring" (1960) and "Through a Glass Darkly" (1961). "Winter Light" is often considered the second film in a trilogy, following "Through a Glass Darkly" and completed by "The Silence". All three films focus on spiritual issues. Bergman writes, "These three films deal with reduction. "Through a Glass Darkly" – conquered certainty. "Winter Light" – penetrated certainty. "The Silence" – God's silence – the negative imprint. Therefore, they constitute a trilogy". He later retracted his claim the films form a trilogy.