Watch Where Children Play

Where Children Play is an emotional drama film from 2015, that takes the viewers on a complex and troubled journey of a young woman who strives to reconcile with her past. The movie is directed by Leila Djansi and stars Macy Gray, Teyonah Parris, and Brian White. The movie tells the story of Bellissima Mccain, commonly called Bell, portrayed by Teyonah Parris, a successful New York lawyer who returns to her small hometown in Georgia to care for her dying father, Jude McCain, played by Leon, and confronts her troubled past. Right from the opening scene, Bell struggles with the complexity of her relationship with her father, and also her sister, Cheryl, performed by Edwina Findley.

Bell's father, Jude, is a former civil rights activist and an alcoholic who led a life of resentment after being fired from his job and losing his family's land. The movie highlights the importance of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA, and the devastating impact it had on the Black community. While Jews were able to claim reparation and receive support following the Holocaust, black people were left with no justice or essential support for the violence they endured from various systems of oppression.

However, Bell's father's activism raised concerns about his personal life, neglecting his wife, and always supporting Bell's older sister Cheryl over Bell. Bell feels disconnected from her home and her family, further complicated by the appearance of the town's teenage troublemaker, Jesse, played by Kylee Russell.

Without revealing too many spoilers, the movie is a journey of self-discovery for Bell, as she navigates through the traumas of her childhood that she chose to forget. She is confronted with memories of racial violence, sexual abuse, and neglect. These horrors re-emerge as she spends time back in her hometown, and her family attempts to make sense of the past.

Where Children Play is a depiction of the Black community's struggles, particularly highlighting the factors such as addiction, trauma, poverty, and racism that impede progress. The movie's themes delve into the importance of family and community, and how both have a significant impact on one's life. While Bell's father put the community first, he neglected the importance of his family.

Macy Gray plays the role of Jo, a motherly figure who provides care and comfort to Bell during her visit. Gray's character helps Bell unravel her past and make amends with her family. Throughout the movie, Jo symbolizes hope, reminding Bell that one doesn't have to hold on to the negativity of the past.

Brian White's character, Nolan, plays a significant role in the movie as Bell's love interest. Nolan, a successful businessman, accompanied Bell on her journey home and supported her as she deals with repressed memories and emotions.

Overall, Where Children Play is a thought-provoking movie that takes a deep-dive into the complexity of the human emotion and family relations, while also highlighting the past and current racial injustices. The movie delves into themes that are at the forefront of the timeless conversations of social equity, and it tells a story that is universal and inspiring, leaving an inspiring message of strength, courage, and hope.

Where Children Play is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.