Product: NOVA: Secret of the Wild Child (1994)
Rating: 5.0
Moving, Disturbing
I use this film in the Developmental Psychology class I teach. It has all the qualities you want from a documentary: The movie depicts Genie, a 13 year old who was systematically isolated by her father and probably also her mother for most of her life. Discovered by a social worker, she was suddenly in the limelight of hospital staff and researchers. There were many mistakes made in her care, and the film illuminates the ethical issues of attempting to be both caregiver and researcher. Infighting was apparently the norm in this case. Also depicted is how utterly powerless CPS was to ensure Genie's safety when she returned to her mother, and then to a series of abusive foster homes after her mother could not care for her. Language acquisition and attempted remediation of early deprivation are illustrated. Also could be good for discussing attachment issues. My classes never fail to be provoked into spirited discussions.This is an excellent film for development classes as well as linguistics classes. I bought this for far less than is here advertised.