Khaila Richards, a crack-addicted single mother, accidentally leaves her baby in a dumpster while high and returns the next day in a panic to find he is missing. In reality, the baby has been adopted by a warm-hearted social worker, Margaret Lewin, and her husband, Charles. Years later, Khaila has gone through rehab and holds a steady job. After learning that her child is still alive, she challenges Margaret for the custody.
Acting
Halle Berry and Jessica Lange throw absolute haymakers.
Writing
Refuses easy answers; every character has valid pain.
Director
Stephen Gyllenhaal
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during the 1990s 'crack baby' media panic, the film sparked debate about whether it pathologized Black motherhood or humanized addiction.
Halle Berry prepared by visiting rehab centers and refusing to judge Khaila; Jessica Lange based Margaret on social workers she shadowed.
US
