Cries from the Heart

Cries from the Heart

Year: 1994

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Switzer

DramaTV Movie

Michael, a young autistic boy who struggles to verbalize his thoughts but possesses a keen talent for technology, secretly programs his computer to send a desperate online plea for help after he is molested at school, showing how a special voice can become his only lifeline.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Cries from the Heart (1994)

Trace every key event in Cries from the Heart (1994) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Wandering incident prompts concern

Michael wanders away from home, triggering alarm for his mother Karen. Roger, his ex-husband, realizes Michael may need more specialized care than Karen can provide and suggests a residential school.

Shortly after the wandering incident Home
2

Decision to enroll in residential school

Therapist Terry Wilson explains how the program could help Michael. Karen reluctantly agrees to enroll him in the residential school.

Following the wandering incident Karen's home / therapist's office
3

Enrollment and early progress

Michael begins at the school and starts to make gradual progress under Terry. He learns to communicate by pointing to pictures and helps with chores in the cottage shared with caretaker Jeff.

Early period after enrollment Residential school, cottage
4

Facilitated communication introduced

Terry proposes facilitated communication with Michael typing on a computer keyboard while Terry supports his hand. Jeff dismisses the idea, while Eliot agrees to a one month trial.

Trial setup School / meeting room
5

First breakthrough during Karen's visit

Michael types gibberish at first, but during a visit by Karen he finally types a clear message. He writes Mom hi and reveals that Dad is gone and that he broke the car window, hinting at a deeper truth.

During trial's early phase School / therapy room
6

Truth about the divorce explained

Karen tells Terry about the night of the divorce and that Michael had thought the divorce was his fault. Karen explains that the car incident was not the reason for the divorce and that she and Roger love Michael.

After the breakthrough School meeting
7

Family reconciliation begins

Karen thanks Terry for challenging assumptions, and Roger expresses guilt for not explaining the reason for his departure. Michael's new communication allows the family to move toward rebuilding trust.

After the breakthrough Home / school
8

Jeff goes on vacation; abuse revealed

Jeff leaves for a vacation, and Michael begins having nightmares and neglecting his chores. He types out messages indicating Jeff, keeping him away, and a sexual abuse accusation, revealing Jeff's abuse.

After Jeff's departure Cottage / school
9

Crisis and removal decision

Karen demands that Michael be pulled from the school to keep him safe, while Terry argues that the school remains essential for his progress. Michael expresses his desire to stay, saying I STAY.

Following the abuse revelation School
10

Jeff arrested and FC validated

A detective questions Michael and, convinced by his communication, notes the effectiveness of facilitated communication. Jeff is arrested, and the investigation into the abuse proceeds.

Shortly after arrest Police / school
11

Karen withdraws; Terry intervenes

Feeling hurt that Michael trusted Terry more than his mother, Karen withdraws from contact. Terry visits and explains that Michael still needs Karen and that they should work together.

Between arrest and trial Karen's house
12

Trial begins; FC questioned

Jeff recants and the court remains skeptical about facilitated communication due to lack of scientific support. Michael is allowed to testify, but cross-examination leads to a recess.

During trial Courtroom
13

Cross-exam via TV and verdict

A separate cross-examination is arranged in another area and relayed to the courtroom via closed-circuit TV. The jury eventually finds Jeff guilty of abuse.

Trial conclusion Courtroom / separate area
14

Ending: a growing partnership

The film ends with Karen and Terry watching Michael play on a swing, reflecting that they still have a long road ahead but feel they make a strong team for Michael's future.

Ending Park / swing set

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:45

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Cries from the Heart Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cries from the Heart

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