Losing Isaiah
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.
Critics Sentiment
Racial and cultural arguments dominate the custody trial
Film ends without resolving the legal custody situation
Sharp decline from the powerful courtroom scenes (8.1) to the widely criticized ambiguous ending (4.5), a drop of 3.6 points
Losing Isaiah builds strong dramatic tension through its custody battle premise and courtroom confrontations, earning praise for Jessica Lange and Halle Berry's performances. However, the film's refusal to commit to a resolution in its ending frustrated many critics, who felt it squandered the powerful setup with a cowardly non-conclusion. The overall sentiment reflects a movie with compelling elements undermined by an unsatisfying finale.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 49
Jessica Lange
Margaret Lewin
Halle Berry
Khaila Richards
David Strathairn
Charles Lewin
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Eddie Hughes
Daisy Eagan
Hannah Lewin
Marc John Jefferies
Isaiah
Samuel L. Jackson
Kadar Lewis
Joie Lee
Marie
Regina Taylor
Gussie
LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Caroline Jones
Jacqueline Brookes
Judge Silbowitz
Donovon Ian H. McKnight
Amir
Rikkia A. Smith
Josie
Paulette McDaniels
Ethel
Velma Austin
Rehab Leader
Glenda Starr Kelly
Group Leader
Joan Kohn
Toby Fredericks
Patrick Clear
Bill Fredericks
Gaby Santinelli
Heidi
Mike Bacarella
Liquor Store Clerk
Crew
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