In this haunting tale based on a true story, Tarra Steele shines in the role of Katie Standon, a horribly abused teen trying to come out of her silent shell and assimilate into society with help from linguistics researcher Sandra Tannen (Melissa Errico). But Katie's recovery is hampered by an obsessive special-education teacher (Sean Young) who views her as a springboard to fame. Kim Darby plays Katie's mother.