What Makes a Family
Janine and Sandy are a lesbian couple who decide to have a baby, but after a few years Sandy dies. This tragedy is exploited by Sandy's parents to snatch the girl from Janine's care. But then, and despite having the laws against her, Janine decides to fight in order to regain custody of her daughter.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the true story of a high school student, Jamie (played by Merritt Wever), who becomes pregnant and grapples with the decision of whether to keep her baby. Her supportive boyfriend, Todd (played by Patrick Pickard), and her loving parents, Eileen and John (played by Mimi Rogers and Richard Thomas), are there to help her navigate this challenging time. Meanwhile, Jamie's best friend, Kerry (played by Alanna Ubach), faces her own set of personal struggles.
Critical Reception
A made-for-television movie, 'What Makes a Family' was generally well-received for its sensitive portrayal of teenage pregnancy and its focus on family support. Critics often highlighted the performances of the young cast and the mature handling of a difficult subject matter.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its heartfelt and realistic depiction of teenage pregnancy.
- Lauded for the strong performances of its young lead actresses.
- Appreciated for its message of family support and open communication.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available for this television film.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the true story of Jamie and Todd Burlingham, whose journey was also documented in the book 'A Life for a Life'.
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