[The Second Take] Parents Who Create "The Silent Girl"

Children Escaping Reality Due to Neglect and Indifference
A Bright and Kind Face Heals Wounds of the Heart

In the film 'The Silent Girl,' Coate (Katherine Clinch) is a loner. She is isolated both at home and at school. Wherever she is, the air and time seem distorted. It is so quiet that no one notices. Even when called by name, she is blocked by an invisible barrier. Physiologically, her parents and friends do not register in her eyes.

This is an escape from reality caused by long-term neglect and indifference. Her father is obsessed with horse racing, and her mother is preoccupied with preparing for childbirth. Her older sister, who attends the same school, snorts dismissively. Under this intangible oppression, Coate puts less effort into connecting with people. She accepts everything as meaningless.

Self-centeredness inevitably leads to a vicious cycle that is hard to break. She spends all day thinking only about herself and her situation, increasing negative thoughts and worries. She feels guilt and shame for not putting effort into anything. Eventually, she is overwhelmed by lethargy and inferiority, refusing to come out into the world. She isolates and makes herself lonely.

'The Silent Girl' offers a brilliantly radiant summer to Coate in crisis. She is entrusted to a distant relative she does not even know and experiences love and affection. She senses it from the very first moment they greet each other. It is exactly as written in the original work by Claire Keegan, 'Foster.'

"She dips the mug into the water and brings it to her lips. The water is really cool and clean. It tastes like the father who left, the father who never came, the father who left and left nothing behind. I put the mug back into the water and lift it so that it aligns straight with the sunlight. I drink six mugs of water and think it would be nice if this place, with no shame or secrets, could be my home for a while."

The basis of instinctive judgment is a bright and kind face. Aileen (Kerry Cawley) warmly welcomes her by opening the car door herself. "Oh my, who is this? Come out so I can see you properly. The last time I saw you, you were in a stroller." "The stroller broke." "How did that happen?" "My sisters used it as a cart, and one wheel came off." "Come on, let's go inside."

Aileen habitually praises and encourages Coate even for small changes. When Coate truly accomplishes something new, Aileen feels deeply moved and joyfully excited from the bottom of her heart. This is a reward not only for her but also for her husband Sean (Andrew Bennett). It naturally heals the emotional wounds caused by losing their son.

Everyone wants to find meaning and purpose in living in the world. Among them, respected people do not aim for growth solely for themselves. They want to contribute to making the world a better place. It is difficult to find happiness by focusing only on one’s own desires, thoughts, and wishes. Even the elements that bring the greatest pleasure do not last long.

The best way to become mentally healthy and feel good is to help someone. The target is not far away. As dual-income couples increase, the number of marginalized youths like Coate continues to grow. While it is important to set goals outside the home and strive to achieve them, it is also a time when the ability to recognize happiness right in front of you is needed.

Perhaps that alone is enough. Even if you set goals now, there is no way to confirm whether they are right or not. Life is full of surprises, and the things you can control are limited. If your face darkens like that, you can never smile at your children. Just like Coate’s biological parents.