Quartile rating: 8/10 · 1 rating
Los Angeles, 1928. When single mother Christine Collins leaves for work, her son vanishes without a trace. Five months later, the police reunite mother and son. But when Christine suspects that the boy returned to her isn't her child, her quest for truth exposes a world of corruption.
Changeling is a gripping true-story drama anchored by Angelina Jolie's raw, committed performance and Eastwood's typically assured direction. The plot is genuinely compelling — a mother's nightmare compounded by institutional gaslighting and corruption — and the period recreation of 1920s Los Angeles is sumptuous and convincing. Acting across the board is strong, with John Malkovich and Jeffrey Donovan delivering strong support. Cinematography by Tom Stern is atmospheric and beautifully lit. Novelty is solid but not exceptional — the corrupt-institution and wronged-woman narrative is a well-worn template, even if executed with care. The ending is emotionally honest but somewhat deflating in its ambiguity, which feels true to life yet unsatisfying dramatically.