Black or White 2014

Writer-director Mike Binder probably didn’t image Black or White, – his film based on a true story – would be released during an ongoing awards session and movie fans debate about civil rights. His aim to spotlight a custody battle between a grandfather and the granddaughter’s paternal grandmother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) is really about far more than race.

Elliott Anderson (Kevin Costner) has learned his wife has died, and in a matter of hours his entire world looks dim. Taking time off from the firm where he’s an attorney is easy. Trying to console his biracial granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estel) seems far from easy. Eloise is the daughter of Elliott’s late daughter who was abused by her husband Reggie (Andre Holland), now a druggie.

The Andersons made a good life for Eloise. They gave her a nice home, safe neighborhood, private school and lots of love. However, all that is about to be challenged because Reggie’s mother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) wants to fight for shared custody of Eloise now that her father is back on the scene.

The only way Elliott can deal with this is by drinking, which becomes an all-consuming habit. As this continues, Eloise at first clings to Elliott, but when his drunken days overtake his common sense, she begins to shy away from him.

Unfortunately, Elliott deals with this situation by drinking, which becomes an all-consuming habit. At first, Eloise clings to Elliott, but when her grandfather’s drunken days overtake his common sense, she begins to shy away from him. Things become so bad that Elliott hires Duvan (Mpho Koahu), calling him his “bodyguard.” In reality, Duvan is a tutor for Eloise and a driver for her and Elliott because he’s not fit for the job most days.

By now Rowena has good reason to pursue the joint custody lawsuit. Eloise actually enjoys visits with her and the large extend family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Things drastically change when Reggie shows up in town. Rowena pushes him to be part of the lawsuit, insisting her blindsided, corporate attorney and brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie) fight for them in court.

Challenging and sad times makeup the theme of this film, but its underscore is sweet and touching. Costner gives a great performance as a distraught husband trying to replace his wife’s care of their granddaughter, but unable to deal with everyday life and hanging on to the only love of this life left. Spencer shines as the grandmother bent on doing the right thing for her granddaughter, but who is blinded to the real problems of her son. The adorable Jillian Estel, who has made only one other film, was among hundred’s of girls considered for the role. She dominated every emotion that Eloise faced in this situation. She morns the loss of her grandmother (Jennifer Ehle). There are scenes when Elliott is trying to console her that Costner said Estel did things not in the script like place her arm around his shoulder or kiss his cheek that really gave him his character. When Elliott turns to the bottle for answers, Estel clings to the idea that she wants to be with her real father, which eventually causes extreme drama for all. In moments when she’s still just a young girl she’s exceptionally vibrant and adorable.

Black or White isn’t about color. It’s about humanity, unbearable loss, facing facts and finding a road to redemption and possibilities.