Nova "The Secret of the Wild Child" #22.2 (1994) (TV)

Heartbreaking Story, 21 November 2015

The neglect Genie suffered as a young child boggles the mind. Locked in a dark room, tied to a potty-chair, Genie never learned basic concepts like walking and talking. The shots of her walking through the grass immediately after being rescued are heartbreaking. Her walk reminds me of a new born dear getting its feet underneath. But this wasn't a newborn, Genie was more than 10 years-old before she took her "first" steps. Her story is amazing and riveting. I know that some of her caretakers were trying to do what they thought was best, but more than a few were in it for themselves. I'm not sure Genie could have ever been "saved", but I wish she had been given more of a chance.

Anyway, Genie's story is nicely presented. The film includes a number of interviews with many of the people actually in charge of Genie's care. The addition of the film clips showing Genie's progress nicely reinforces the interviews. The effect Genie had on everyone who came into contact with her is easy to see. Without the film clips, you don't have much of a show. The story of the French "wild child" from the early 19th Century, while interesting, often felt like padding (hence my 9/10 and not 10/10). I was also impressed by the film's pacing and timing. I remained glued to the screen throughout. It's a very nicely put together documentary.

9/10