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TitleSociety's Child (2001) (TV Film)
Alternative/Original Title
DisabilityGeneral Rett's Syndrome
CountryCanada
Length?
GenreFamily drama
Rating2
DirectorPierre Gang
CastJessica Steen Kyley Statham Margot Kidder
NotesA young girl, Jessie, has a neurological disorder, Rett's Syndrome. Besides being unable to speak she has difficulity with walking and co-ordination. But it is her voice which is the accompanying narrative. There is trouble in the family with the kids hating their father who soon leaves. Jessie's caregiver has a problem with conflict resulting in her going into hospital (I'm not clear why this was necessary). Jessie shows some progress when she goes to school but then starts to lose weight. Her mother is afraid to take her to the doctor's fearing being accused of neglecting her. Eventually she goes into hospital and is fitted with a feeding tube but she dies. The film ends with a soppy narration from the dead girl. Regretfully the film moves from cutsey, melodramatic scenes to longeurs accompanied by muzak. This is TV which is sustainable only if you're knitting or working on a motorbike in your front room. A small point: Jessie may be dying but should she be carried on her mother's lap on the front seat? This is the only film I know dealing with Rett's Syndrome.

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