Nell

Nell, a young woman, has lived her entire life in the secluded woods, raised by her mother. Their life is heavily influenced by her mother's struggles with speech and the memory of Nell's twin sister, Mae, who is believed to have died over a decade ago.

The tranquility of Nell's life shatters when her mother passes away, leaving her alone in the woods. This event marks the beginning of Nell's transition from seclusion to being discovered by the outside world.

Nell is discovered by Dr. Jerome Lovell, the local physician, who is intrigued by her unique way of communicating. He embarks on a quest to understand how she could be perceived as a 'feral' child by the local community.

During his investigation, Dr. Lovell finds a newspaper article suggesting that Nell's mother was a victim of rape. This revelation sheds light on the fears and behavior that have shaped Nell's life.

Psychologist Paula Olsen arrives with intentions to observe Nell in a controlled environment. However, her supervisor pushes for a laboratory study, igniting a conflict between her and Dr. Lovell.

A judge orders a three-month observational period in Nell's natural habitat to determine her capacity for consent regarding future studies. This ruling brings about a mix of hope and trepidation in Dr. Lovell.

As Dr. Lovell immerses himself in Nell's world, she begins to trust him and affectionately refers to him as 'gah-anj.' This bond signifies a milestone in Nell's emotional journey.

A journalist learns of Nell's situation and intrudes upon her, causing her distress with flash photography. This media encroachment upends Nell’s newly found peace, leading to a shocking emergency situation.

Nell suffers a severe psychological breakdown and slips into a catatonic state. This crisis poses a threat of her being institutionalized, prompting Dr. Lovell to take drastic measures to protect her.

In an act of desperation, Dr. Lovell breaks Nell out of the hospital, seeking refuge in a nearby hotel. Here, Nell remains in a withdrawn state, encapsulated by her trauma and fear.

Standing alone on the hotel balcony, Nell gazes into the dilapidated pool, suggesting her struggles with mental health and an ambiguous battle against suicidal thoughts.

The competency hearing for Nell arrives, and Dr. Lovell anxiously witnesses the system trying to marginalize her. In a powerful moment, Nell emerges from her shell, pleading for her voice to be heard.

The film culminates with a gathering at Nell’s cabin, where she interacts with Dr. Lovell, Paula, and their daughter. This moment highlights the healing power of connection as Nell shares a cherished chant from her past.

The narrative concludes with emotional resonance, emphasizing the importance of understanding and empathy in Nell's journey. Dr. Lovell and Paula reflect on their experiences as they embrace Nell's unique spirit.