Recommended films to watch about foster care
Date published
11 October 2024
Winter is approaching, and it is a great time to get cosy and relax while watching a good film. There are plenty of films with themes of foster care, and they can offer valuable insights and perspectives for children and adults alike. Here are some top recommendations for films to watch alone or as a family. It's important to remember that films are often exaggerated for effect, so if you intend to watch them with a child or young person in foster care, it is advisable to preview the content beforehand and discuss any potential triggering topics or inaccuracies.
Instant Family: Certificate 12
Instant Family is a heartfelt and uplifting story about Pete and Ellie, a couple in the USA who decide to become foster carers. They take on a placement of three siblings, ranging in age from 6 to 15. The film explores the challenges of being a foster carer but also the rewards that it can bring. It also shows some of the struggles of the children and birth families and is sure to leave audiences feeling inspired and hopeful about the power of family.
The Great Gilly Hopkins: Certificate PG
The Great Gilly Hopkins follows Gilly, who is a 12-year-old foster child determined to find her birth mother. We see Gilly attempt to regularly outwit her new foster parent, which leads her into a series of mischievous and often hilarious adventures. Through these experiences, Gilly learns to trust and love her new foster family. Through her journey, Gilly understands the importance of friendship and family, ultimately finding her place in the world.
White Oleander: Certificate 12
White Oleander is a drama film based on Janet Fitch's 1999 novel of the same name. The film follows the story of a young girl, Astrid, whose mother is sent to prison. As she is sent to live with a series of foster families, Astrid must learn to cope with her mother's absence and the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment. Despite her struggles, Astrid perseveres and eventually finds her own place.
The Blind Side: Certificate 12
The Blind Side is perhaps the most well-known film with a theme of foster care. It is based on the incredible true story of NFL player Michael Oher. Oher, a homeless teenager, was taken in by the Tuohy family and given a new chance at life. With the guidance and support of his new family, Oher overcame his struggles and became a college football star. The film serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of helping those in need.
Lion: Certificate 13
This is based on a true story, and it depicts an international adoptee's losses and gains with great heart and honesty. Saroo's adoptive family consistently supports his acceptance of his history. They help his desire to find his birth family and rejoice when he sees them. Saroo's birth mother has always waited for his return, yet she also accepts that Saroo's adoptive parents are his family; she is grateful to them and understands that Saroo is part of their life now. Saroo finds his birth mother and, through her, can find the answers that he needs; finding her fills gaps in his life story but does not replace his adoptive family's role in his life.
The Ride: Certificate 13
The Ride tells the true and inspiring story of Scottish BMX champion John Buultjens, who overcame a traumatic and abusive childhood through the love and life lessons of his interracial foster family. After being raised by a white supremacist family and bouncing in and out of juvenile detention, John is adopted and looked after by a black foster family who patiently helps him learn to trust.
Earth to Echo: Certificate PG
In this sweet coming-of-age movie, three friends (one of whom is in foster care) are dealing with losing their neighbourhood and status quo when they encounter a small alien who needs their help returning home.
Tuck expresses the film's message right before the end credits—that children can do anything and are not powerless. But what I see as an even more pronounced message is that foster children, while having real issues, challenges, losses, and sadness, can be the bravest, most loyal, most forgiving, and most dependable of their peers. They can turn their experiences outward into kindness to help others in similar situations.
Tarzan: Certificate PG
This classic story follows Tarzan, a child orphaned in the African jungle, as he grows up among the animals of the jungle and eventually discovers his identity as the son of a British Lord and Lady. The movie follows Tarzan's adventures as he finds his place in the world and falls in love with Jane, a human. Tarzan also develops a deep bond with his gorilla family but must confront his identity and learn to accept his human heritage. The film is a timeless classic that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Upcoming films to watch out for
Fostering insights
11 October 2024
