The Underrated Kevin Costner Drama That's Taking Off On Netflix

Written and directed by Mike Binder, Black or White follows a man named Elliot Anderson (Costner), who struggles with alcoholism in the wake of his wife and daughter dying. He becomes the caretaker of his daughter's child, Eloise (Jillian Estell), but the girl's grandmother, Rowena Jeffers (Octavia Spencer), questions Elliot's ability to raise a child by himself. Things get ugly as both grandparents believe they're the best person to look after the child, resulting in the two entering the courtroom to decide who should be Eloise's legal guardian. Through it all, Elliot and Rowena both learn more about forgiveness and race. They're joined in the cast by Andre Holland, Bill Burr, Anthony Mackie, and Gillian Jacobs.

Black or White has a lot more on its mind than your average family drama, and if you're looking for something to tug at your heartstrings, then this movie based on a true story will do the trick. Plenty of critics thought so too when Black or White first came out. One reviewer, Richard Crouse, wrote in his assessment of the film, "Black or White gives Kevin Costner several of his best on-screen moments in years. [...] Costner hasn't been this good in years. He's a believable drunk with the look of a man who has weathered tragedy but hasn't given up. A bent-but-not-broken spirit oozes off him and a stronger script might have placed his name on more than a few Best Actor lists."

Costner seems to have made it a habit as of late to portray world-wearied men haunted by some aspect of their past, as evidenced in some of his recent films like Let Him Go and McFarland, USA. Black or White follows in that trend, and it's easier now than ever to catch this underrated gem.