I didn't know what to expect from this movie. I wanted something light, something emotional and dramatic, but not too sad. I got everything I wanted and more, including the sadness which I didn't want. But it was worth it. Benning's character came across as very harsh early on, but we later saw her morphed into a more likable character, which I felt transformed easily, because she was now in a more happier place in her life. She was made to give up her daughter when she was 14 and pregnant, and I believe that made her bitter initially in life. Naomi Watts' character was an adopted child who also seemed bitter, having never known her parents, and was on her own from 17. Kerry Washington was a married woman who couldn't have children, and therefore looking to adopt. How all these characters came together was worth the watch. It was beautifully done. Kerry was sublime in her acting skills, and you felt her anxiety, her pain and every emotion she portrayed. Benning as usual was wonderful, and Naomi was manipulative and often unlikable, which I believe she was meant to portray and therefore did it well. The role of the Sister in the agency was well played by Cherry Jones, and all the supporting actors, including Samuel Jackson and Jimmy Smits, brought a realness to each part. I don't want to give anything away, but the sadness in one of the scenes with Naomi really came as a surprise, as I was not expecting that. I felt like there was not enough closure, but then again the producer brought it all full circle to make you embrace the ending, after all, not everything in life ends with roses and a box of chocolates. Sometimes it ends with a lot of Kleenex. I think this is a movie worth watching, and embracing.
Review of Mother and Child
