One of the newest movies to hit the big screen, “Black or White” takes viewers from laughing to crying to sitting on the edges of their seats.
This gripping drama stars Kevin Costner as Elliot, a man whose daughter dies at 17 during childbirth. The child’s father, Reggie, is a felon and a drug addict, leaving Elliot and his wife to care for their half-black granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell).
Although Eloise and Elliot might seem like an odd duo, Costner’s brilliant acting paired with Estell’s innocent charm makes their grandfather-granddaughter relationship realistic and adorable. Not only does Eloise learn things from her grandpa, he realizes that he could learn a thing or two from her. Eloise is especially smart and mature for her age and calls her grandpa out on his flaws.
After the loss of his wife, Elliot begins to drown his emotions in alcohol and Eloise’s other grandmother, Rowena (Octavia Spencer), starts getting nosy. The lengthy and vicious custody battle that follows is both realistic and heart-wrenching. Rowena insists that Elliot is not fit to take care of Eloise and that she should grow up around a big family full of African-American culture.
When Eloise begins to struggle in school, Elliot hires a math tutor not only to help Eloise, but himself as well. The tutor, Duvan (Mpho Koaho), may have been cast in a supporting role, but his lovable accent and wit steal the show.
Little does Elliot know, Duvan will teach him more than just a few equations. He becomes an important part of Elliot’s household, teaching him to funnel his anger into learning a new language as an alternative to drinking. Duvan’s character creates another unusual, but touching, bond that will keep viewers smiling throughout the film.
Spencer might have outdone herself in “The Help,” the 2011 film about race relations in 1960s Mississippi that won her a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, but her big, bold and unadulterated humor is just as present in this film. Her unyielding will to keep her family together may make her a little “hard to take,” as said by characters in the film, but her stubborn, sassy approach brings her character to life. She will remind you of that zany aunt everyone has and is just the right kind of crazy that belongs at your dining room table.
The motion picture also addresses issues of racial tension between the two sides of the family. Costner delivers a beautifully written monologue about how the issue is not about black and white, but right and wrong. A few of the supporting actors like Bill Burr and Gillian Jacobs are less convincing and lack substance in the movie, but “Black or White” is an excellent motion picture overall.
The atypical story line and authentic acting make it a must-see family film that makes it easy to forget that the characters aren’t real people. But beware — you might want to bring some tissues.
Reach the reporter at bridget.dowd@asu.edu or follow @bridgetbernice on Twitter
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