The Silent Child Script Summary
Inspired by a real-life event, "The Silent Child" is the story of Libby, a 4-year-old child who
lives in the world of silence. While her parents, Sue and Paul, are busy running errands and
raising their other two kids, Libby finds comfort with a "help" named Joanne.
The film opens with a scene of the family at the dining table for breakfast, where most of
their interactions as a family occur. Libby does not take part in any of her conversations, not
because she lacked the confidence her parents thought she did, but because no one would put
in an effort to learn to communicate with her. Sue and Paul hired Joanne to build confidence
in Libby and prepare her for school. Joanne discovered that Libby does not interact at all, so
she starts by teaching her British Sign Language. Joanne takes Libby to parks to feed the
ducks, bring her her favorite candies, play with her, and more importantly, interact with her.
Sue has never seen her daughter so cheerful with anyone, not even with her parents, who
won't understand when she uses sign language to ask for "orange juice."
While teaching Libby, Joanne discovered a very dejected side of childhood with busy parents.
Sue would not even know if her daughter likes parks or not, but she affirms that she knows
what's best for Libby. She confronts Joanne, saying that they are sending Libby to school to
learn speech therapy rather than sign language. Joanne is disturbed not because she got fired
but for Libby, who finally started to interact with someone who was patient with her, who
would play with her, who would teach her.
Her new teacher at the school would treat Libby like other children, and Libby has returned
to the world of silence. She would not interact with anyone because no one would
understand.
A 4-year-old girl named Libby, who barely got any love from her parents, felt love for the
first time. It was a pure love that she felt for someone not of her own blood. The love she felt
for someone who made an effort to understand her, interact with her, and there she told her, "I
love you."
Assignment submitted by- Tamanna Chhabra
Contact Details- 8851068667
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