Nell

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BadNews R I’m reaching a point where I’m genuinely excited to revisit and share some of the older films that shaped me growing up—movies my mother absolutely loved, and ones that still hold up today. Nell (1994) is one of those films. Starring the incomparable Jodie Foster, Nell tells the story of a young woman who has grown up isolated from society, speaking her own unique language and surviving on her own terms. While today we might describe the character as neurodivergent, the film treats her with respect, sensitivity, and nuance—something rare for its time. What could have easily become a caricature or a one-dimensional portrayal is instead brought to life with extraordinary care. The director manages to capture Nell’s humanity and spirit without malice, without immaturity, and without painting her as helpless. Instead, we see her as strong, resourceful, and deeply human. The writing is exceptional, weaving together a story that is both emotional and thought-provoking. It forces the audience to confront questions about society, compassion, and what it really means to be “different.” And of course, Jodie Foster is nothing short of brilliant here. She completely disappears into the role, giving us a performance that is tender, powerful, and unforgettable. It’s one of those roles where you can’t imagine anyone else stepping into the character—Foster makes Nell her own. For me, this film carries a special nostalgia. I first experienced it on VHS when I was younger because of how much my mom adored it. Watching it again now, I realize why it stuck with her and why it stuck with me. It’s not just a film—it’s a deeply human story that connects across generations. If you’ve never seen Nell, I highly recommend giving it a chance. It may be overlooked compared to some of Foster’s more mainstream work, but it’s easily one of her most heartfelt performances, and a film that still resonates nearly 30 years later. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/09/25 Full Review Glen B The actors all put in a good job Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/20/24 Full Review Audience Member So many tremendous qualities in a film that has a fairly mediocre script. The premise is particularly pretty fascinating and I'm shocked to see how ho-hum the story continues to be well into the second act. Shot in the Fontana Dam region near the Tennessee/North Carolina border the exterior scenes are striking. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review ronald h Looking back on this movie 28 years after its release, it seems like more of a curiosity than anything else. Jodie Foster's performance is just downright strange. It's overacting taken to the max----but then, I guess that's what the part requires. Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson are believable in their roles. Even their fake southern accents are pretty good. The biggest problem here is plausibility. Jodie Foster is supposed to be a "wild child" who has lived her whole life in a remote cabin in the woods, with no human contact other than her late mother and sister. Yet she has perfect Hollywood teeth. The scene in which she goes into a pool hall and shows her breasts is also ridiculous. She's supposed to be terrified of people. This is one of those films in which you're constantly asking questions about the unlikely scenarios, but the filmmaker wants you to just accept what you're seeing. If you can do that, it's watchable. The premise is certainly interesting. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Effective, but do feel like that it left some unanswered questions... Jodie Foster, as always; is mesmerising! Not necessarily a must-see, but it's touching! Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review J. D So astonishingly vapid and bad it will leave you breathless with laughter. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 09/02/21 Full Review Read all reviews

Nell

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