This emotionally charged drama examines the custody battle between a young black mother (Halle Berry), who three years earlier had abandoned her baby while high on drugs, and the loving white couple (Jessica Lange and David Strathairn) who have adopted him. A strong cast - which includes Samuel L Jackson and Cuba Gooding Jr - adds weight to the sensationalistic plot. While the film presents a believable, well-balanced view of the drama, Berry's rehabilitation from frazzled crack-head to radiant child-minder does seem a little contrived.

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.