Writer-director Mike Binder probably didn’t imagine that Black or White, his film based on a true story, would be released during an ongoing awards season when movie fans were debating about civil rights. His aim? To spotlight a custody battle between a grandfather and the granddaughter’s paternal grandmother, which deals with far more than race.

The film opens as Elliott Anderson (Kevin Costner) learns his wife has died, and in a matter of hours his entire world looks dim. Taking time off from the firm where he’s an attorney is easy, but trying to console his biracial granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estel) seems far from easy. Eloise is the daughter of Elliott’s late daughter who was abused by her husband Reggie (Andre Holland), now a druggie.

The Andersons made a good life for Eloise. They gave her a nice home, safe neighborhood, private school and lots of love. However, all that is about to be challenged because Reggie’s mother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) wants to fight for shared custody of Eloise now that her father is back on the scene.

Unfortunately, Elliott deals with this situation by drinking, which becomes an all-consuming habit. At first, Eloise clings to Elliott, but when her grandfather’s drunken days overtake his common sense, she begins to shy away from him. Things become so bad that Elliott hires Duvan (Mpho Koahu), calling him his “bodyguard.” In reality, Duvan is a tutor for Eloise and a driver for her and Elliott because he’s not fit for the job most days.

By now Rowena has good reason to pursue the joint custody lawsuit. Eloise actually enjoys visits with her and the large extend family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Things drastically change when Reggie shows up in town. Rowena pushes him to be part of the lawsuit, insisting her blindsided corporate attorney and brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie) fight for them in court.

Although challenging and sad times make up the themes of this film, Black or White is also sweet and touching. Costner gives a great performance as a distraught husband trying to replace his wife’s care of their granddaughter but unable to deal with everyday life while hanging on to the only love of this life left. And Spencer shines as the grandmother bent on doing the right thing for her granddaughter but also blind to her son’s real problems.

The adorable Jillian Estel, who has appeared in only one other film, was among hundreds of girls  considered for the role. She dominated every emotion that Eloise faced in this situation, including mourning the loss of her grandmother (Jennifer Ehle). There are scenes showing Elliott trying to console her, and Costner said the youngster did things not in the script -- like place her arm around his shoulder or kiss his cheek -- which really helped him with his character. When Elliott turns to the bottle for answers, Eloise clings to the idea that she wants to be with her real father, which eventually causes extreme drama for all. In moments when her character is still just a young girl, Estel portrays Eloise as exceptionally vibrant and adorable.

Black or White isn’t about color. It’s about humanity, unbearable loss, facing facts and finding a road to redemption and future possibilities.

(Released by Relativity Media and rated “PG- 13" for adult language, drinking, drug use and violence.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.