Ever had one of those nights where you’re scrolling through a streaming service, and you see Kevin Costner’s face staring back at you from a movie poster you barely remember? That happened to me recently with Black or White. Honestly, I’d forgotten how much of a passion project this was for him. It wasn’t some big studio blockbuster. Far from it.
Costner actually put up $9 million of his own cash to get this thing made. Think about that. Most actors are looking for the biggest paycheck, but he was so moved by Mike Binder’s script that he basically bet his own bank account on it. The studios wouldn't touch it. They thought it was too small, maybe too risky. But Costner? He saw something in the story of a grieving grandfather that he just couldn't shake.
What is Black or White actually about?
The setup is pretty heavy, but it feels real. Elliot Anderson, played by Costner, is a wealthy lawyer who has just lost his wife in a car accident. If that wasn't enough, he’s already been raising his seven-year-old biracial granddaughter, Eloise, because his own daughter died in childbirth.
Suddenly, Elliot is a single grandfather drowning in grief. And vodka.
He’s a high-functioning alcoholic, which becomes a massive point of contention when Eloise's paternal grandmother, Rowena (the incredible Octavia Spencer), decides she wants custody. Rowena lives in South Central LA, surrounded by a massive, loving, and loud family. She looks at Elliot and sees a lonely, drinking white man who can't possibly give this little girl the cultural connection she needs.
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It’s a tug-of-war. But it’s not just about who has more money or who has a bigger house. It’s about two people who genuinely love a child but are blinded by their own prejudices and past traumas.
The cast that makes it work
- Kevin Costner: He doesn't play the hero here. Elliot is grumpy, biased, and often drunk. It’s one of his most "human" performances because he lets himself look bad.
- Octavia Spencer: She’s the heart. As Rowena, she’s not a villain trying to steal a kid; she’s a matriarch trying to save her family.
- Jillian Estell: She plays Eloise. Kinda rare to see a child actor hold their own against two Oscar winners without being "stagey."
- Anthony Mackie: He plays Rowena’s brother, a high-powered lawyer who is sharp, cynical, and very aware of how the "race card" works in a courtroom.
The controversy and the "race" conversation
When the movie Black or White with Kevin Costner hit theaters in 2014, it didn't exactly get a free pass from critics. Some people felt it was a bit too "Hallmark" in its sentimentality. Others were uncomfortable with how it handled racial stereotypes.
For instance, the father of the girl, Reggie, is portrayed as a crack addict. Some critics argued this leaned too hard into the "deadbeat Black dad" trope. On the flip side, Elliot is the "privileged white guy" who thinks his money solves everything.
But here’s the thing: the movie doesn't really try to be a political statement. It’s more of a character study. Mike Binder, the director, actually based a lot of this on his own family experiences. He wasn't trying to solve racism in two hours. He was trying to show how messy and complicated family law gets when race is thrown into the mix.
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There’s this one scene in the courtroom where Elliot is being grilled about his feelings on race. He gives this speech about how it’s not the first thing he thinks about, but it’s always there. It’s raw. It makes you squirm a little, which is probably why the studios were scared of it.
Why you should actually watch it
If you’re looking for a legal thriller like The Firm, this isn't it. The courtroom scenes are actually the least interesting part. The real gold is in the small moments.
Like when Elliot is trying to do Eloise’s hair. He has no clue what he’s doing. He’s trying to tie a bow like he’s tying a shoe. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s very relatable for any grandparent who has been thrust into a role they weren't prepared for.
Or the relationship between Elliot and his tutor, Duvan. Duvan is an incredibly smart African immigrant who ends up becoming Elliot's driver because Elliot is too drunk to get behind the wheel. Their banter provides some much-needed comic relief in a movie that is otherwise pretty heavy.
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Things to keep in mind:
- It’s rated PG-13. There’s some rough language and some pretty honest depictions of substance abuse.
- It’s long-ish. About two hours.
- The ending? It’s not a "everyone lives happily ever after" Disney vibe. It’s more of a "we’re going to try to be better" vibe.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Movie Night
If you decide to dive into Black or White, don't go in expecting a lecture. It’s a movie about grief more than it is about race.
- Look for the parallels: Pay attention to how the movie compares Elliot’s alcoholism to Reggie’s drug addiction. One is treated as a "disease of a gentleman," while the other is treated as a crime. It’s a subtle but powerful point the movie makes without hitting you over the head with it.
- Check out the soundtrack: Terence Blanchard did the score. He’s a jazz legend, and the music really helps bridge the gap between the two very different worlds of the characters.
- Watch it with someone else: This is definitely a "talk about it after" kind of film. You’ll probably find yourself taking sides, and that’s exactly what the movie wants you to do.
To get the most out of the experience, try to find the interview where Kevin Costner talks about why he funded the film. Knowing he put his own skin in the game makes his performance feel a lot more personal. You can usually find these clips on YouTube or as "bonus features" if you’re still into physical media.
Next time you see it on a streaming list, give it a shot. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best stories are the ones Hollywood is too afraid to tell.