Custody (2016)

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

This is an astonishing documentary that will wring your heart while it bends your mind

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Award winning writer/director James Lapine pulls out all stops with this full on study of the US Family Law Court: its employees, several various related services, & families involved with some of its outcomes. This quite powerful production has the look of a made for Cinema feature that went straight to TV. Performances are first class, as is the cinematography and music score. Lapine has included many story elements (too many perhaps?) giving it the feel of a pilot for yet another upcoming endless series (thank heavens it was all wrapped up in a feature) & while there are unresolved situations, we know enough to fill in the spaces. Good looking and absorbing - can recommend 'Custody' for any lover of dramatic studies that deal with contemporary social issues.

I really liked this movie: Warning spoiler alert: However, I thought for sure this movie was a set up for a TV series or mini drama. A lot of unanswered questions at the ending. The judges colleague insinuates she is drinking to much and she leaves the Christmas party with a lonely haunting face. Did the public defender tell her father that her uncle touched her as a child or did the grandmother step up?

Let me first get my angst out of the way. I'm referring to the useless review contributed by "Da Rude". It should read "Duh Rude". Unfortunately, I had to read the review three times to try to comprehend what the point was. To no avail. You sound like you have a problem with U.S. Made motion pictures, the Academy, and simply enjoy griping. Do you have a personal agenda against someone involved in the making of this film??Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. As the other people contributing reviews of this film have essentially rated this an average "9", thus far, I agree. I've not to date, seen a performance less then excellent by Viola Davis and this film is no different. She just has a way of bringing real emotion to the screen as well as delivering a performance that gets you right in the chest. Her Co Stars do a terrific job as well and I felt the story was moving and thought provoking. It is no easy task telling a story about the legal separation of a child/children from a parent/parents. It is, obviously, a very tough subject to tackle and one which many people take a divisive stance on. IMO, illustrating the dramatic course one navigates from the perspective's of a single Mother, Judge and all the people involved in doing a job aimed at protecting the welfare of children is not an easy one. Custody" does so with realism, empathy, and humanity. This is not a feel good movie. It is not intended to be. It is, however, very much so worth watching and I believe most will get a glimpse into the tough process this film tackles, and will walk away happy they did.

Outstanding film showcasing the interpersonal relationships of people working and involved in family court regarding children.Everyone here from the judge to the defendant has his own personal story of woe; however, we do rise above a Peyton Place mentality.As the judge, Viola Davis turns in a great performance in finding out about her unfaithful husband and thinking back to the brother she lost from a heroine overdose.We see the shortcomings of the ACS agency with their delays, foul-ups and sometimes tragedy ensuing.We see a brand new lawyer assigned to a case where a mother disciplining her child is thought to have abused the child. We see what this mother has to go through in court due to legal hang-ups and a system stretched to the limit.Nothing is sugar-coated here including the ending.