Project Nim, a documentary by James Marsh, tells the fascinating and often disturbing story of a chimpanzee named Nim, who was the subject of a groundbreaking experiment in the 1970s. The film explores the life of Nim, from his early days as a research subject to his later years in various sanctuaries, and raises important questions about the ethics of animal research and the boundaries between humans and animals. Through a series of interviews with the people who knew Nim, including his caretakers, researchers, and friends, the film provides a nuanced and multifaceted portrait of a complex and charismatic individual.

The documentary is both a tribute to Nim's remarkable story and a critique of the experiment that was designed to teach him human language. The film shows how Nim was raised by a human family, taught to use sign language, and encouraged to behave like a human child. However, as Nim grew older and stronger, he became increasingly difficult to manage, and the experiment ultimately ended in failure. The film raises important questions about the treatment of animals in research and the consequences of trying to make them human. The interviews with Nim's caretakers and researchers are often poignant and revealing, and provide a glimpse into the emotional toll of working with animals in a research setting.

One of the strengths of the film is its ability to balance the scientific and emotional aspects of Nim's story. The documentary provides a clear and concise explanation of the experiment and its goals, while also exploring the emotional bonds that formed between Nim and the people who cared for him. The film is also notable for its lack of sentimentality, and its willingness to confront the darker aspects of Nim's story, including his eventual abandonment by the researchers and his struggles in captivity. Overall, Project Nim is a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling film that challenges viewers to think critically about the relationship between humans and animals, and the ethics of animal research. While it may not be an easy film to watch, it is a powerful and important one that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience.