From the title and the way the film was marketed, you'd get the impression that this is a movie about a custody dispute that all boils down to race. Well, this plays only the tiniest part in a film and is instead a film where there are lots of gray areas...and the custody situation is NOT black or white (metaphorically speaking).
When the film begins, Elliot (Kevin Costner) is at the hospital, as his wife just died. It's not just going to effect him, however, as he and his wife was the caretakers for their granddaughter, Eloise. However, although it's always clear that Elliot loves her, he's also got a drinking problem...though it does not appear to impair his ability to care for the child...at least at the present.
Soon, Eloise's Grandmother (Octavia Spencer) has filed for custody of the child. Much of this might have been avoided if Elliot had allowed the other side of the family (the black side) to see the girl. He, however, is angry at them as Eloise's father is a crack- head and the father's family is in denial about his current drug use or ability to care for the child. He's a mess, and clearly he should NOT care for any child...let alone a pet! But, the rest of the family seems to possibly be able to care for Eloise...but they've got to get over the Grandmother's fantasies about her son and his addiction. How does all this work out? See the film.
Overall, I enjoyed this film but must strongly point out that it is NOT strictly a film about race. Instead, it shows how both sides of the family care but are really screwed up...and it's up to the judge to determine what's best. I appreciated this and enjoyed the film. My only reservation is the last 10 minutes or so of the movie...it didn't seem all too realistic in many ways. So, I am recommending it but think it does, in some ways, miss the mark. Well worth seeing.
