Watch Foster Boy

Foster Boy is a heart-wrenching legal drama that shines a light on a dark side of the foster care system. The film, directed by Youssef Delara and written by Jay Paul Deratany, premiered in 2019 and features a talented cast that includes Matthew Modine, Shane Paul McGhie, and Lex Scott Davis. The story follows Michael Trainer (Matthew Modine), a high-powered lawyer who takes on a pro bono case involving a young man named Jamal Randolph (Shane Paul McGhie). Jamal has spent years in the foster care system and is now accused of a serious crime. As Michael delves deeper into the case, he discovers shocking truths about the foster care system and the people who run it. The film tackles several important themes, including systemic racism, corruption, and the power dynamics between the wealthy and the marginalized. As Michael fights for Jamal's rights, he is forced to confront his own biases and assumptions about the foster care system. At the heart of Foster Boy is the relationship between Michael and Jamal. Despite their initial differences, the two men form a bond that is both touching and complex. Michael is a flawed character who struggles with alcoholism and a strained relationship with his wife (played by Lex Scott Davis), while Jamal is a young man haunted by his past experiences in foster care. The film also features standout performances from several supporting actors, including Louis Gossett Jr. as Judge George Taylor and Julie Benz as Pamela Dupree, a lawyer representing the agency responsible for Jamal's care. The cinematography and production design are also noteworthy, with the film's gritty, muted color palette and foreboding score creating a sense of ominous tension that builds throughout. Overall, Foster Boy is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a topic that is often overlooked or swept under the rug. Its message is clear: something needs to be done to fix the broken foster care system and ensure that children like Jamal don't fall through the cracks.