Donna Lee Shelby, a mentally challenged girl who lives in Forest Haven, an institution for the developmentally disabled, meets Ricardo Thornton, a fellow resident. When Forest Haven is closed by a court order, Donna and Ricardo venture into the real world on their own.
Acting
Kirstie Alley commits fully — no vanity, all heart.
Writing
Based on true story; avoids inspiration-porn traps.
Direction
Clifford lets quiet moments breathe.
Director
Graeme Clifford
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Donna and Ricardo Thornton consulted on set; their son Ricky plays himself as an adult in brief flash-forward.
Forest Haven was a real Maryland institution closed in 1991 after decades of abuse scandals — this film preserves a nearly invisible history.
US
