This fascinating documentary tells the story of an ill-considered animal experiment that started in the 1970's.

Nim, a baby chimpanzee, was taken from his mother when he was just two weeks old and placed in the care of Stephanie, a hippy-ish young mother.  With no experience and no formal scientific plan in place, Stephanie welcomes Nim into her family in a proposed 'nature vs nurture' experience with the general idea to teach Nim sign language.

Surprisingly, he not only learns to sign but also to understand the family dynamic into which the free-thinking Stephanie has brought him.

Later, a more structured teacher is introduced to Nim but as more humans are brought onto the project, it is these relationships that are as fascinating as Nim. 

Inevitably, though, as Nim grows older and stronger, his life becomes more complicated as he is shipped from facility to facility, and from carer to carer, until in the end all he needs is just one person to care. 

These were all well-meaning people who wanted to be part of a radical idea, but whether through arrogance, or naivety, or just because it was a different time, one has to wonder if Nim was always at the centre of their decisions. 

Gandhi once said that 'the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated'.  Let's hope there isn't another 'Project Nim'. 

At times funny, heartening, and disturbing, Oscar-winner James Marsh (Man on Wire) has crafted another quality documentary worthy of your time.