Nell 1994

In a secluded woodland sanctuary, Nell, a young woman with an unconventional upbringing, has grown alongside her mother and twin sister, Mae. The absence of verbal communication in their isolated environment has shaped Nell’s speech patterns, which are a unique blend of “twin talk” and the imperfect articulation of her mother (who allegedly suffers from strokes). This unusual manner of speaking is a testament to Nell’s extraordinary circumstances.

Following her mother’s passing, Nell’s life is forever altered when a teenage boy stumbles upon their cabin while delivering food. The local doctor, Dr. Jerome Lovell, discovers Nell and becomes fascinated by her enigmatic presence. As he delves deeper into her story, he uncovers the likely truth that Nell’s mother was victimized in the past, leading to their secluded lifestyle aimed at avoiding a similar fate.

Nell frequently converses with Mae, her deceased twin sister, through whispers of fond memories and shared experiences. These recollections serve as a source of solace for Nell, allowing her to momentarily escape the confines of her isolated world.

As Dr. Lovell seeks to understand Nell’s inner workings, he finds himself at odds with Paula Olsen, a female psychologist who advocates for studying Nell in a controlled laboratory setting. However, when they appear before a judge, it is decided that Nell will be observed in her natural environment for three months to determine if she possesses the capacity to provide informed consent for such an experiment.

As Dr. Lovell settles into a nearby tent, he begins to form a connection with Nell, who eventually comes to trust him and addresses him as “gah-anj” (later revealed to mean “guardian angel”). She also affectionately refers to him as “Jay,” a nickname born from her unique pronunciation of his name.

Meanwhile, Paula Olsen secretly places a video camera in Nell’s cabin, allowing her to monitor the subject without direct interaction. The motivations behind this choice are unclear, leaving room for interpretation regarding its sole purpose or simply the ease with which it can be accomplished.

As Nell’s secluded world begins to unravel, an unforeseen consequence of her isolation is revealed when a journalist stumbles upon her cabin, his flash photography piercing the tranquility like a sudden storm. Jerry, ever vigilant, chases the unwanted visitor away, but not before the news of their encounter spreads like wildfire through the local press. The subsequent arrival of a helicopter, its rotors whirring menacingly overhead, sends Nell into a tailspin of fear and disorientation.

Determined to shield her from the prying eyes of the media, Paula and Jerry conspire to relocate Nell to the hospital, where she can be kept under wraps. However, this decision proves disastrous, as the very same institution that seeks to “help” Nell becomes a symbol of oppression. The traumatic experience sends her spiraling into a catatonic state, leaving both doctors convinced that she will soon be institutionalized.

In a desperate bid to protect Nell from the crushing weight of the system, Jerry makes the impulsive decision to break her out of the hospital and flee to a nearby hotel. There, Nell remains withdrawn and unresponsive, lost in a world of her own making. Her gaze often drifts to the neglected pool below, where she daydreams of Mae, her mind replaying cherished memories.

As the competency hearing draws near, Jerry becomes increasingly frustrated with the way Nell is being railroaded by the authorities. It is then that Nell suddenly awakens from her trance-like state and, with a clarity that surprises everyone, begins to express herself, speaking eloquently on behalf of her own sanity. Her words are like a balm to Jerry’s soul, and for the first time, he glimpses the true depth of her inner world.

In the aftermath of this emotional epiphany, Jerry and Paula embark on a journey with their young daughter to Nell’s cabin, where they are greeted by a gathering of friends, including the sheriff and his wife. It is here that Nell finds solace in the simple act of teaching the young girl the chant she once shared with Mae, her voice filled with warmth as she whispers “You ‘member dat…”