Losing Isaiah

An African-American mother grappling with crack-cocaine addiction who abandons her infant son, then enters rehab and fights for custody. Her desperation and flaws drive the film's moral complexities. She seeks redemption while confronting the consequences of her choices.

Isaiah is a young boy torn between two worlds: the biological mother who struggles with addiction and the adoptive mother who provides stability. He experiences withdrawal and confusion, then shows glimmers of resilience as he navigates love from both sides. His sense of belonging is shaped by the care of two mother figures and a system that wavers between protection and control.

A white social worker who adopts Isaiah and opens her family to him, balancing compassion with the rules of child welfare. Her affection for Isaiah grows into a protective motherly bond, testing her own beliefs about race and parenting. She acts as a stabilizing force in Isaiah's life even as the custody dispute threatens that stability.

Margaret's husband who provides support and tries to anchor the family in a urban, middle-class environment. He grapples with the challenges of integrating Isaiah into their home and the ethical implications of the custody case. His role underscores a paternal influence within a racially charged dispute.

Khaila's lawyer who contends that Isaiah should be with his biological mother and challenges the Lewins' cultural vantage in parenting. He represents the legal defense in a case that probes systemic bias and familial legitimacy. His advocacy highlights the courtroom as a site for social change as well as conflict.

A concerned social worker who becomes involved in Isaiah's case, reflecting the care and pressure exerted by the social services system. She navigates the tension between child welfare and family loyalty, contributing to the custody decisions. Her perspective adds a practical, humane dimension to the drama.

A judge presiding over the custody case who must weigh legal arguments against emotional realities. Her decision underscores the film's exploration of justice, bias, and mercy. She represents the formal authority shaping Isaiah's fate.

Margaret and Charles's daughter, who witnesses the custody dispute and the impact of choice and loyalty on family life. Her presence grounds the film's exploration of belonging and the innocence affected by adult decisions. She embodies the legacies of family ties within a changing household.