Changeling

On March 9, 1928, Christine Collins starts her day in a joyful manner, playfully measuring her son Walter's height against the wall. This lighthearted moment before school sets a normal routine for the mother-son duo, reflecting the warmth of their relationship.

After bidding Walter a loving farewell at the cable car stop, tragedy strikes when he mysteriously disappears later that day. Christine is thrown into a desperate search, feeling the initial sting of worry transform into overwhelming devastation.

Christine is met with indifference from the police, led by Captain J.J. Jones and Detective Lester Ybarra, as her pleas for assistance go largely unheard. Frustrated by their lack of help, she takes the initiative to call cities beyond Los Angeles in a desperate bid to find her son.

In a twist of fate, a boy appears in the news claiming to be Walter, bringing forth a wave of media attention. Christine's heart soars with hope, but this soon turns to doubt as she notices contradictions that suggest this boy, later identified as Arthur Hutchins, is not her son.

Upon meeting Arthur Hutchins, Christine’s instincts tell her he is not Walter. His differing physical attributes and behaviors starkly contrast with her memories of her son, deepening her resolve to prove the truth against all odds.

Despite her insistence that Arthur is not Walter, Christine faces increasing hostility from the police, particularly from Captain Jones. Her firm stance leads her into a battle against a corrupt system that seeks to dismiss her as unstable.

Determined to fight back against the injustices surrounding missing children, Christine seeks the help of Rev. Gustav Briegleb. By gathering allies and evidence, she begins to mount a significant challenge against the neglectful authorities.

Christine’s steadfast refusal to accept the false narrative eventually leads to her institutionalization. This traumatic experience plunges her into the depths of despair as she battles the label of insanity inflicted upon her by the very system she is trying to expose.

While confined, Christine uncovers chilling information about other missing boys and the dark fate that has befallen them. These revelations deepen her resolve, illuminating the severe incompetency of the authorities involved in her son's case.

As the narrative of her fight gains prominence, Christine transforms from a grieving mother into a symbol of resilience. She navigates through trials and accusations, becoming a vocal advocate for the rights of the missing and the unheard.

Christine learns about the horrific crimes conducted by Gordon Northcott, tying back to the fate of her son. This knowledge not only motivates her quest for justice but also highlights the systemic failures that allowed such heinous acts to persist.

Despite her relentless search for Walter, the outcome is devastating. Christine grapples with the heartbreak of not finding her son but is also galvanized by the strength she discovered throughout her journey.

Emerging from this experience, Christine embodies hope. She clings to the belief that Walter may still be alive, living in secret, waiting for the day they could be reunited, illustrating the profound bond between a mother and her child.