Watch The Silent Child

In the 2017 movie The Silent Child, we meet a sweet and bright four-year-old girl named Libby, played by newcomer Maisie Sly. Libby is deaf and lives in a world filled with silence, often misunderstood by those around her. The film offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the deaf community and the importance of learning sign language.

Our story begins when social worker Joanne, played by Rachel Shenton (who also wrote the screenplay based on her own experiences), is assigned to work with the family of Libby. Joanne quickly realizes that Libby is not receiving the attention and resources she needs to thrive as a deaf child.

Libby's parents, played by Rachel Fielding and Philip York, are not completely supportive of Joanne's efforts to involve more sign language and communication tools in their daughter's life. Joanne has to navigate the family dynamics while trying to ensure that Libby gets the support she needs.

As Joanne works with Libby, she forms a strong bond with the young girl. Libby shows a hunger for learning and communication, as well as a determination not to be held back by her disability. The performance by Maisie Sly is outstanding and will leave you feeling every emotion that Libby does.

The film highlights the importance of sign language in the lives of deaf individuals, and the struggles that many endure when they live in a society that does not understand or embrace them. Through Joanne's efforts and Libby's infectious spirit, the film proves that sign language and communication tools can bridge the gap and allow deaf individuals to live a life without limitations.

The supporting cast delivers powerful performances, particularly Rachel Fielding as Libby's mother. Fielding portrays a mother's love and fear, showing the audience that the family's reluctance to embrace sign language comes from a place of ignorance and a lack of understanding.

The cinematography is visually stunning, and the use of silence in several scenes is effective in conveying the isolation and frustration felt by Libby, while the musical score heightens the emotional impact of the film.

The Silent Child, in just 20 minutes, manages to provoke a powerful reaction from the viewers. The film won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short in 2018, and it's not hard to see why. It is a beautiful and important story that is sure to touch your heart and leave you with a deeper understanding of the importance of sign language in the deaf community.

Overall, The Silent Child is a profound and moving film that will challenge viewers to reflect on the way they view and interact with those who are deaf. The incredible performances and poignant story make it a must-watch for all audiences.

The Silent Child is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.