Nell (1994)

Thespian lesbian Jodie Foster has been enjoying an ongoing relationship with Tinseltown’s Oscar for decades. Thanks to the Academy, she’s gone home with the gold man twice when she was named Best Actress for The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991). She also received Oscar nominations for her performances in Taxi Driver (1976), Nyad (2023) and Nell (1994). The latter film is based on Mark Handley’s play Idioglossia (1985). In it, Ms. Foster portrays the titular character who has lived in total seclusion in a remote cabin in the woods for her entire life. When Dr. Jerome Lovell (Liam Neeson) discovers her, he wants to spend some time getting to know and understand Nell and learn the invented language she shared with her now deceased mother and twin sister. As such, a judge grants him three months to observe her before making a decision whether she can stay in her home alone, or be taken to an institution for the rest of her life. The good doc works with (or without) the help of psychologist Dr. Paula Olsen (Natasha Richardson) and her colleague Dr. Alexander Paley (Richard Libertini). During the process, the aptly-named Lovell falls in love with Nell. Even though the film features Jodie’s bare bod, Mr. Neeson keeps his jeans on. It’s not totally unsurprising considering this is a PG-13 flick. At least, we get to see a shirtless Liam soaking his feet in the lake. No doubt, this teasing scene might get you speaking in tongues!