Fanny and Alexander (re-release)

In the quaint Swedish town, the affluent Ekdahl family, including young Alexander and his sister Fanny, prepares for their festive Christmas celebration. This joyous occasion features a heartwarming Nativity play, followed by an extravagant party filled with laughter and warmth.

The blissful marriage of Emilie and Oscar is abruptly shattered when Oscar suffers a devastating stroke. This unexpected tragedy leaves the family in deep sorrow and sets off a chain of events that will forever alter their lives.

In the aftermath of Oscar's death, Emilie marries Edvard Vergérus, the local bishop and a widower. She moves into Edvard's household, which is ruled by the oppressive presence of his mother, sister, aunt, and other staff members, creating a stark contrast to her previous home.

As Emilie attempts to adapt to her new life, she quickly realizes Edvard's authoritarian nature dominates their household. The tension escalates between Alexander and Edvard, as Alexander's imaginative tales often provoke Edvard's anger, leading to harsh and punitive measures.

Feeling trapped in her oppressive marriage, Emilie confides her struggles to her former mother-in-law, Helena, including her unexpected pregnancy. The severity of Edvard's control further solidifies Emilie's resolve to escape their toxic environment.

While Emilie is away, Edvard confines the children to their bedroom under the guise of protection. During this confinement, Alexander fabricates a story about being visited by spirits, which angers Edvard and results in punishment for the children.

Family friend Isak Jacobi steps in to help the Ekdahl children by secretly relocating them to his store. Along with his nephews, Aron and Ismael Retzinsky, Isak provides them temporary refuge as tensions with Edvard rise.

Emilie's former brothers-in-law confront Edvard, negotiating for a divorce. They leverage the children's well-being, Edvard's debts, and the potential for scandal, but Edvard remains stubbornly opposed to the idea, maintaining his grip on the family.

As Emilie nears the end of her pregnancy, she devises a daring plan to escape Edvard's control. She administers a heavy dose of bromide to Edvard, explaining her intentions calmly as he falls into a deep sleep, allowing her to make her move.

In the chaos following Emilie's escape, a tragic fire breaks out in the home, set off by Edvard's Aunt Elsa accidentally igniting a gas lamp. The blaze engulfs both Elsa and Edvard, culminating in a horrific end for them.

Now living with Isak and his nephews, Alexander wrestles with his own dark fantasies intertwined with Edvard's demise. Conversations with Ismael spark eerie notions about dreams sharing a connection with reality, adding complexity to Alexander's thoughts.

The Ekdahl family comes together to celebrate the baptism of Emilie's daughter, highlighting a moment of reunion amidst chaos. This event also welcomes another child born out of wedlock to Alexander’s uncle Gustav Adolf and the maid, Maj.

In a haunting encounter, Alexander faces the specter of Edvard, receiving a grim message that portends his continued bondage. This encounter stirs deep emotions within Alexander, merging the realms of the living and the spectral.

Emilie embraces her newfound role as the owner of the theatre, a position she hopes will bring purpose and fulfillment. She presents Helena with August Strindberg's play, *A Dream Play*, inspiring her friend to take part in the world of the theatre.

Initially dismissive, Helena's interest in the play grows as she begins reading it aloud to a sleeping Alexander. This moment signifies a turning point for both women as they navigate their lives within the creative world of theatre.