Nim's Island Directed by Jennifer Flackett & Mark Levin (2008) A young girl (Abigail Breslin) inhabits an isolated island with her scientist father (Gerald Butler) and communicates with a reclusive author (Jodie Foster) of the novel she's reading. Cast: Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerald Butler, Michael Carman Props and Wardrobe Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shirt by Abigail in the movie. Abigail in a scene from the movie.