Omena

"The Apple" (Sib) is a one-of-a-kind movie. It is a semi-documentary, with some recreated footage and some (apparently) real footage. The bare-bones plot describes an extremely poor Iranian family. They have raised their twin daughters in isolation--the children have never been outside their home, and have apparently never spoken to anyone other than the parents. It is obvious that the two girls have significant developmental delays. We will probably never know what percentage of their delays is due to nurture and what percentage is due to nature. (There is a passing reference to malnutrition. Perhaps this also has played a role both prenatally and postnatally.)

A dedicated and resourceful social worker takes the children under her wing. The interaction between the children, their parents, their new friends, and the social worker is fascinating. This movie works as drama, as documentary, and as an insight into problems and solutions in a culture very different from my own. I consider "The Apple" a must-see.