Saagar Kote
‘The Giant Falls’ or ‘El último gigante’ centers on Boris, a tour guide. He works at the Iguazú National Park, where his job involves taking tourists on boat rides and sightseeing adventures. He enjoys a seemingly peaceful and contented life, supported by his mother, Leti, and his lover, Alba. This tranquility is shattered when his estranged father, Julián, reappears after nearly three decades. Boris struggles to cope with his father’s sudden return, driven by years of unresolved anger. The Argentine drama chronicles a complicated and increasingly volatile journey, exploring the connection, egos, secrets, and disagreements between the father and the son as both men grapple with the weight of their emotions.
With their lives reaching a decisive point, Julián and Boris must find a way through the complexities of their souls and come to terms with each other’s feelings. Hospital del Litoral plays a vital and meaningful role in the evolution of the father-son relationship in the movie. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Hospital del Litoral Serves as a Reflection of the Emotional Dynamics Between Julián and Boris
As the story unfolds amid the disagreements and tensions between Boris and Julián, a shocking turn of events leads to unexpected consequences. When Boris loses his cool, he physically assaults Julián. The son regrets his decision immediately and takes Julián to Hospital del Litoral for treatment and recovery. The fictional hospital becomes the main location for the change in the nature of the relationship between Julián and Boris. After having a heartfelt conversation with his mother, Boris decides to check on Julián at the hospital. This is one of the first instances when the son actually makes an effort to have a genuine conversation with his father. Boris learns about his father’s cancer diagnosis at the hospital, which leads to a complex emotional equation.
The hospital’s isolated corridors, along with their sense of dread, reflect the strange feelings Boris experiences. Though Julián recovers from his minor injuries, he is shifted to Hospital del Litoral again after a night of drinking with Boris. When Boris visits Julián at the hospital for the second time, his tone with him sounds more genuine and empathetic. In a way, the hospital becomes a spiritual place where Boris learns more about his capacity for courage, empathy, and forgiveness. In reality, hospitals often represent both hope and desperation. While some people may experience life-changing medical miracles, others may face tragedy and loss. Hospital del Litoral is the most suitable setting for tracing the changing dynamics between Julián and Boris as they learn to let go of their egos.
Towards the end of the narrative, Julián makes the difficult decision of taking his own life. He escapes from the hospital with Boris and chooses to die in a place of his choice. Julián leaves a parting note for his wife and daughters on the hospital bed. Many of the major turning points in the film occur within the walls of Hospital del Litoral. The hospital is more than just a physical space in the movie. It acts as a stage for emotions to develop, hearts to mend, and characters to evolve intricately.
