Tales from the Gimli Hospital

In a dim hospital in Gimli, a dying mother gathers her two children for a final storytelling session. She weaves a rich ancient tale that serves to connect her children to their historical legacy and the cultural fabric of Iceland.

The story transitions to Einar, who is grappling with the harsh realities of a smallpox outbreak in a historical setting. He is confined within makeshift hospital wards situated above an animal stable, where despair permeates the air.

Einar makes silent attempts to connect with other patients and the compassionate young nurses who care for them. His experience reflects a shared sense of longing and human connection amidst the bleakness of their situation.

Gunnar, Einar's neighbor, emerges as a talented storyteller and artisan, using his skills in birch bark carving to charm both patients and nurses. His creativity provides a glimmer of hope and beauty in the grim environment around them.

Director Maddin appears as a surgeon, skillfully performing procedures while the patients’ attention is diverted by a poorly executed puppet show. This juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of their situation and the distractions they seek.

As Einar's story unfolds, deeper layers of Gunnar's character emerge, revealing a background filled with grief. Einar's discovery of Gunnar’s fish-carving shears compels Gunnar to confront his poignant memories of his deceased wife, Snjófridur.

The narrative dives into flashbacks of Gunnar's tender moments with Snjófridur, whose life was tragically cut short by smallpox. This heart-wrenching history is further honored through tribal rites by Gunnar's friend, emphasizing the significance of loss.

Einar reflects on a traumatic event tied to Gunnar's shears, recalling a disturbing encounter with a woman's corpse on a similar platform. This memory ignites a dark intimacy and shapes the emerging conflict of the story.

Tensions rise when a sudden fire erupts on the hospital roof, causing chaos among the Icelanders. Their peculiar method of extinguishing the flames with milk leaves Gunnar blinded, intensifying the conflict brewing within him.

Exiting the hospital in a state of turmoil, Einar and Gunnar unexpectedly encounter Lord Dufferin. Einar's hallucinated transformation of the lord into the Fish Princess deepens his malicious intentions toward Gunnar.

Einar and Gunnar engage in a primal Glima Wrestling match in a verdant field, symbolizing their raw struggle for dominance. The physical contest ultimately exhausts both men, reflecting their larger emotional battles.

Einar returns to his modest fish smokehouse, where he is confronted by a healed Gunnar and his new fiancée. As they stroll along the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Einar's feelings of envy and solitude become palpable.

The narrative shifts back to the present day where the children learn of their mother's passing. This pivotal moment redirects their quest for understanding as they turn to Amma, the elder storyteller, for comfort.

The children, curious about life after death, urge Amma to step into their mother's role. Although she declines their requests, her promise to return under certain conditions leaves a lingering mystery.

As the film concludes, Amma prepares to share another enchanting tale, signaling a transition from grief to hope. The children listen eagerly, reflecting their desire for connection and understanding.