Criterion Collection Year 2007 Theatrical Release 2007-05-09 Video Release 2008-08-12 Studio Image International Genre Horror MPAA Rating Not Rated Color Black and White Runtime 99 Animated Live-Action Full Synopsis Surreal, satiric and surprisingly touching, Maddin's film looks at the secret lives of families in a work that is equal parts childhood reminiscence, Expressionist horror movie, teen detective serial and Grand Guignol reverie. Guy Maddin's latest delirious creation is a silent film like none you have ever seen before. Whatever are young Guy Maddin's parents really up to in their lighthouse home/orphanage on a chilly remote island? Overbearing Mother Gretchen Krich tracks her son's Sullivan Brown every move, bellowing for him to come home over the Aerophone just as something interesting is about to happen! And poor Sis Maya Lawson , his older sister who is rapidly blossoming into a young woman Mother will never let her have any fun! The intrigue continues as deranged Mother, hellbent on restoring her youth and sinister Scientist-Father Todd Jefferson Moore who is sequestered night and day in his basement laboratory, engage in diabolical, secret experimentation. When new parents of recently adopted children from the orphanage notice strange wounds on the youngsters' necks, a pair of teen sleuths, Wendy Katherine E. Scharhon and her brother Chance, known as The Lightbulb Kids, appear on the island to investigate and in the process, inspire Guy's first crush and Sis' first love affair. The lurid family secrets that unfold are positively shocking! Director Guy Maddin Cast Guy Maddin; Isabella Rossellini; Gretchen Krich; Sullivan Brown; Eric Maahs; Katherine E. Scharhon; Maya Lawson; Todd Jefferson Moore