Nell (film)
Nell (film)
Nell received a limited release on December 16, 1994, before expanding into wide release on December 23. The film received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with praise for the direction, score, and performances, but criticism for its execution and limited exploration of the titular character. Despite this, it was a box office success, grossing over $106 million worldwide on a $24.5 million production budget.
Plot
Paula and Al obtain a court order to institutionalize Nell for further study, but Jerry hires lawyer Don Fontana to prevent this. The judge grants Jerry and Paula three months to interact with Nell and understand her needs. Paula arrives on a houseboat equipped with electronic monitoring equipment to observe Nell's behavior, while Jerry chooses to stay in a tent near Nell's cabin to quietly observe her.
Plot
To alleviate Nell's fear of evildoers and the possibility of rape, Paula encourages Jerry to swim with Nell in the lake, allowing her to feel his body, hug him, and have fun. Using popcorn as an incentive, Jerry succeeds in coaxing Nell outside into the sunlight. Nell leads Jerry and Paula to the decayed remains of her identical twin sister, May, who died in a fall while playing in the woods.