Brand Upon the Brain!

Guy Maddin returns to the eerie and abandoned island of Black Notch, where his family's lighthouse stands. The lighthouse, once an orphanage managed by his parents, holds significant memories and represents his family's troubled past.

Guy's primary mission is to give the lighthouse a fresh coat of paint, reflecting his desire to reconnect with his roots. As he begins his work, memories from his past begin to surface, unfolding in twelve captivating chapters.

In a striking flashback, twelve-year-old Guy attends a clandestine gathering of orphans led by the ominous Savage Tom. Tensions rise when Tom declares his intention to extract the heart of Guy's dear friend, Neddie, creating a sense of dread among the children.

As the situation intensifies, Guy’s overbearing mother intervenes, using an 'aerophone' to amplify her voice across the island. This unique device symbolizes her control over the orphans, keeping them in check and stifling their emotional expressions.

Guy's mother recounts her tragic past as an orphan, detailing her cruel lineage. She reveals the horrifying tale of how her bald grandmother scalped her sister, propelling her to instill fear and discipline among the current orphans.

Guy meets Wendy Hale, a keen young detective investigating peculiar mysteries surrounding the former orphans. Their relationship flourishes as Guy develops feelings for Wendy, complicating matters as she impersonates her twin brother, Chance.

During their investigation, Guy uncovers a dark secret about his father, who uses a sharp signet ring to extract nectar from the skulls of orphans. This nectar is mysteriously sent to the mainland, emphasizing the sinister nature of his father's activities.

Tensions peak when Mother's relentless pursuit for more nectar leads to a devastating encounter. In an act of self-defense, Sis kills Father, marking a pivotal point in their harrowing story, prompting the orphans to bury him at sea.

In a desperate attempt to reclaim control, Mother tries to end her life, only to later exhume her husband’s corpse. Utilizing her 'nectar-infused' heart, she brings Father back to life as a zombie, further complicating the already chaotic dynamics among the orphans.

Faced with escalating chaos, Sis seizes control of the situation, ousting Savage Tom and her parents from the island. This decision leads to a desperate escape for the remaining orphans as they row away from their troubled home.

Guy finds himself alone as the last child on the island, sharing a bittersweet farewell with his mother. This separation signifies the end of his childhood as he is sent into foster care, leaving behind the haunting memories.

As an adult, Guy completes the restoration of the lighthouse and encounters the ghost of Wendy. She reveals the dark reign of Sis during his absence, highlighting how the past continues to haunt him.

The cycle of trauma continues when Father is murdered by former orphans seeking revenge for their mistreatment. This event plunges the island further into chaos, leading to Mother's return with the undead Father.

Mother, now blind and suffering from a fatal illness, focuses solely on finding Guy. As she succumbs, Guy prepares to collect her final breath, but is interrupted by Wendy's ghost, leading to a dramatic climax.

In the aftermath of his mother's death, Guy is left to grapple with the haunting memories of his past. Abandoned by family and friends, he contemplates his uncertain future, embodying the desolation of Black Notch.