Watch God Bless the Child

God Bless the Child is a 1988 drama film directed by Larry Elikann and starring Mare Winningham, Grace Johnston, and L. Scott Caldwell. The film tells the story of a mother and daughter who are forced to fend for themselves when their family breaks apart. The movie opens with Theresa Johnson (Mare Winningham) and her daughter, Hillary (Grace Johnston), living in a small apartment in Los Angeles. Theresa is a struggling single mother who works long hours at a diner to make ends meet. Hillary is a bright and spirited 8-year-old, who is the center of her mother’s world.

However, their lives are turned upside down when Theresa’s boyfriend, Gary (Obba Babatundé), steals all of their money and disappears. With no money to pay the rent, Theresa and Hillary are evicted from their apartment and forced to hit the streets.

As they struggle to survive, Theresa is forced to make some tough decisions. She starts working as a prostitute in order to make enough money to provide for her daughter. Hillary, meanwhile, is left to fend for herself on the streets, where she meets other homeless children and learns how to navigate their dangerous world.

Despite their difficult circumstances, Theresa and Hillary remain determined to stay together and rebuild their lives. Along the way, they encounter a cast of characters who either help or hinder their efforts.

One of the most memorable supporting characters is Lorraine (L. Scott Caldwell), a kind-hearted prostitute who takes Theresa under her wing and shows her the ropes of the trade. Lorraine is a voice of reason and compassion in the midst of chaos and danger.

Another notable character is Velvet (Grace Zabriskie), a wealthy woman who takes an interest in Theresa and offers her a job as a housekeeper. While Velvet seems well-meaning, Theresa soon learns that her new employer has some dark secrets and ulterior motives.

Ultimately, God Bless the Child is a powerful and poignant story of a mother’s love and a daughter’s resilience in the face of adversity. It is a gritty, realistic portrayal of life on the streets and the struggles faced by those who live there.

The film is buoyed by outstanding performances from its lead actresses. Mare Winningham delivers a raw and nuanced portrayal of a mother who will do anything to protect her child, while Grace Johnston is a revelation as Hillary, bringing a mix of innocence and grit to the role.

The movie also features a memorable soundtrack, with classic songs from Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and other jazz legends. The music adds to the film’s emotional impact and helps to set the mood for its many powerful moments.

In conclusion, God Bless the Child is a timeless and compelling film that explores the human cost of poverty and homelessness. It is a story of hope and resilience in the face of incredible odds, and a tribute to the strength of the human spirit.

God Bless the Child is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.