Movies About Foster Care

From Garth Davis, starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Sunny Pawar
Rated PG-13

Lion is an emotional and inspiring drama based on a true story about a five-year-old Indian boy named Saroo who becomes lost on a train thousands of miles away from home. After a harrowing journey, he is adopted by an Australian couple, who give him a new home and a bright future. Despite the love of his new family, Saroo struggles to find his identity and wonders if he will ever find his way back home. Twenty-five years later, armed with only a handful of memories and a revolutionary technology called Google Earth, he embarks on an emotional quest to find his lost family.

From Mike Leigh, starring Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook
Rated R

Secrets & Lies is a 1996 British drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh and starring Brenda Blethyn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Timothy Spall and Phyllis Logan. The film follows Cynthia, a woman from London, who discovers that the daughter she gave up for adoption twenty-five years earlier, Hortense, is a successful black optometrist living in England. Cynthia is then forced to confront her past and the secrets she has been hiding. As she reconnects with Hortense, Cynthia's life and family are deeply affected as she is forced to confront her own past, her lies, and the truth about her friends and family.

From Destin Daniel Cretton, starring Brie Larson, Frantz Turner, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever
Rated R

Short Term 12 is a 2013 American drama film written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The film stars Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever, Stephanie Beatriz, and Rami Malek. The film follows the story of Grace (Brie Larson) and Mason (John Gallagher Jr.), two staffers at a group home for at-risk teenagers. Mason and Grace are in a relationship, though they often struggle to deal with their own personal issues while trying to help their teenage charges. The teenagers in their care have a variety of issues, ranging from physical and mental abuse to suicidal ideation and self-harm. The film follows Grace and Mason as they attempt to help the teenagers in their care, while also grappling with their own personal issues and uncertain future. As the staff and teenagers form bonds and relationships, they learn to open up to each other, face their fears, and ultimately find acceptance and closure.

From Kenneth Lonergan, starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges
Rated R

Manchester by the Sea is a 2016 American drama film written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. It stars Casey Affleck as a depressed and brooding custodian who is forced to return to his hometown after the death of his brother leads to his becoming the legal guardian of his teenage nephew. As he attempts to take responsibility for his life and the lives of those around him, he is confronted with a past full of guilt and regret. The film also stars Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, and Lucas Hedges. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning for Best Actor (Affleck), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director (Lonergan). It is an emotionally raw tale of loss and redemption, exploring the complex human emotions of love, pain, and guilt.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond
Rated PG-13

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tells the story of a man who was born in his eighties and ages backward. The film follows Benjamin Button's journey of incredible adventures and extraordinary experiences as he ages in reverse. Throughout his life, Benjamin encounters a series of remarkable people and events that shape his life in unexpected ways. From the day he was born, Benjamin faces challenges and difficult choices, each of which leads him closer to understanding the meaning of his life. Along the way, he finds both love and loss, and ultimately discovers his place in the world.

From Stephen Frears, starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Mare Winningham
Rated PG-13

Philomena is a 2013 British-Irish drama film directed by Stephen Frears, based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. It stars Judi Dench as Philomena Lee and Steve Coogan as Sixsmith, and tells the true story of Lee's 50-year search for her forcibly adopted son. The film follows the journey of Philomena and Sixsmith as they travel to America in search of her long-lost son. Along the way, their relationship evolves from initial mistrust to an evolving friendship as they learn more about Philomena's son, his life, and the circumstances of his adoption. Ultimately, Philomena finds the answers she has been seeking for so long, discovering that her son had been living a happy life and died from AIDS in 1995. The film earned numerous awards and nominations, including four Oscar nominations and three Golden Globe Award nominations.

From Directors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, starring Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews
Rated PG

Despicable Me is a 2010 computer-animated comedy film produced by Illumination Entertainment and released by Universal Pictures. It is directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, and written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The film stars Steve Carell as the voice of Gru, a super-villain who adopts three orphan girls. Along with his adopted daughters, Gru plots to steal the Moon, but faces opposition from Vector (voiced by Jason Segel), a rival super-villain. The film also features the voices of Julie Andrews, Russell Brand, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, and Miranda Cosgrove. The film follows Gru as he adjusts to his new fatherly role and struggles with his rival, Vector. Gru eventually learns the importance of family and teamwork, allowing him to defeat Vector and foil his scheme to steal the Moon. The film was released to critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over $543 million worldwide. It was the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2010 and won the 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. A sequel, Despicable Me 2, was released in 2013, and a third film, Despicable Me 3, was released in

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 American biographical sports drama film written and directed by John Lee Hancock. It follows Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. The Blind Side chronicles the remarkable story of Oher's transformation from a homeless, barely educated teenager to a celebrated college football star. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron.

From Jessie Nelson, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

I Am Sam is a 2001 drama film starring Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer. The film tells the story of Sam Dawson (played by Penn), an intellectually-challenged man living in Los Angeles, who is raising his daughter, Lucy (Dakota Fanning). When Lucy is 7 years old, a social worker assesses their home life and decides that Sam is not capable of raising her, prompting him to fight for custody in court. With the help of a pro-bono lawyer, Rita Harrison (Pfeiffer), Sam embarks on a journey to prove that he is a fit parent. Along the way, Sam and Rita learn to accept and appreciate each other, and to believe in the potential of what one person can achieve. I Am Sam ultimately paints a powerful portrait of the power of the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity.

From Brian Percival, starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer
Rated PG-13

The Book Thief is a 2013 film directed by Brian Percival, based on the novel by Markus Zusak. It tells the story of a young German girl, Liesel Meminger, who is sent to live with foster parents in a small German town during World War II. Despite her difficult circumstances, Liesel discovers solace in stealing books and sharing them with her neighbours during the war. With the help of her foster parents, she learns to read and creates a bond with her new family. As the war intensifies and more people around her are affected, Liesel finds strength and comfort in books, and ultimately discovers the power of words to transcend even the harshest of circumstances.

From Jason Reitman, starring Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman
Rated PG-13

Juno is a 2007 American comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. The film stars Ellen Page as the title character, an independent-minded teenager confronting an unplanned pregnancy and the subsequent events that put pressure on her to choose between adoption and abortion. Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner also star. The film's story is based on a page from the pregnancy diary of an unnamed teenager, which was discovered by screenwriter Cody, who then adapted the story from her own life. The film received critical acclaim, with praise for its screenplay, direction, performance, and soundtrack. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and earned three other Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Page. It earned five Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. The film's soundtrack also garnered much attention, and featured songs by various indie rock artists.

From Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, starring Thomas Doret, Cécile de France, Jérémie Renier, Fabrizio Rongione
Rated PG-13

From Kirsten Sheridan, starring Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Rated PG

From Lasse Hallström, starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Michael Caine, Delroy Lindo
Rated PG-13

From Lee Daniels, starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Rated R

From Rodrigo García, starring Naomi Watts, Annette Bening, Kerry Washington, Alexandria M. Salling
Rated R

From Vic Sarin, starring Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell, Jack Gleeson
Rated PG

From Peter Kosminsky, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Renée Zellweger, Robin Wright, Alison Lohman
Rated PG-13

From Norman Taurog, starring Cary Grant, Betsy Drake, Lurene Tuttle, Randy Stuart
Rated Approved

From Bruce Beresford, starring Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies, Aidan Quinn, Sophie Vavasseur
Rated PG

From Alison Eastwood, starring Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden, Miles Heizer, Marin Hinkle
Rated PG-13

From Menno Meyjes, starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, Sophie Okonedo
Rated PG

From Wiebke von Carolsfeld, starring Molly Parker, Rebecca Jenkins, Stacy Smith, Marguerite McNeil
Rated Unrated

From Mike Binder, starring Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Gillian Jacobs, Anthony Mackie
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, starring Rachel Hendrix, Jason Burkey, John Schneider, Jasmine Guy
Rated PG-13