Custody

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1:35

Custody

2018

1h 34m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

120 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Miriam and Antoine Besson have divorced, and Miriam is seeking sole custody of their son Julien to protect him from a father she claims is violent. Antoine pleads his case as a scorned dad whose children have been turned against him by their vindictive mother. Unsure who is telling the truth, the appointed judge rules in favor of joint custody. A hostage to the escalating conflict between his parents, Julien is pushed to the edge to prevent the worst from happening.

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Critics Consensus

Custody uses formal restraint -- and a series of searing performances -- to take a hard-hitting look at the often painful bond between parents and children.

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

This is taut, engrossing filmmaking on a crucial subject.

Mar 9, 2020

Full Review

A.O. Scott

New York Times

Mr. Legrand is skilled in the techniques of dread and suspense, and without sensationalizing or cheapening the story, he gives this closely observed drama the tension and urgency of a thriller.

Apr 17, 2019

Full Review

Paul Byrnes

Sydney Morning Herald

Custody makes gripping drama from a difficult subject.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 27, 2018

Full Review

Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

A harrowing watch, made all the more so by the strength of the young performance at its center.

Rated: 75/100

Aug 4, 2023

Full Review

Milana Vujkov

Lola On Film

Shatter[ing] the audience with the actual intensity of a violence done by the closest of people, and the inner distance to reality it creates.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 29, 2021

Full Review

Jason Adams

My New Plaid Pants

Legrand's film tore through me like a tornado through a trailer park.

Jul 6, 2021

Full Review

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Audience Member

Very early in this movie, there was an ambiguity when we weren't sure whether the father, Antoine, was really such a bad guy. He's eventually revealed to be the monster everyone says he is, and effective, suspenseful drama is created from that, but I preferred the earlier pose and had hopes that would continue. There's hints of that in the performance of the actor who plays him, but the script must be followed.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Between 2.5 and 3 stars. It's so realistic that it transmits you the anguish by the situation, although the narration can be a little dry.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

dave d

This felt so real. The performances of our two leads Denis Ménochet and Léa Drucker playing a divorcing couple who are going through custody issues. Both parents come off as crazed and you're not exactly sure who to root for. On many levels this movie has stuck with me and should for a while. A French film well worth the watch, albeit one that can be hard at times due to the subject matter. Final Score: 8.9/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Bit slow in parts and slightly confusing as the point of the daughter who looked about as old as the mother. But a great dramatic piece.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

A well-made film I've watched with boxxy software app, tight and intense. The theme is somehow ordinary and predictable. Execution of acting and film-making is excellent. The boy actor is a stand-out.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent excellent gripping film from such a talented youngster & Denis Menochet -- love the way the French tell the story without overdramatize it. Love it

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Xavier Legrand

Director

Denis Ménochet

Antoine Besson

Léa Drucker

Miriam Besson

Thomas Gioria

Julien Besson

Mathilde Auneveux

Joséphine Besson

Mathieu Saikaly

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Custody: Trailer 1

1:35

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Synopsis

Miriam and Antoine Besson have divorced, and Miriam is seeking sole custody of their son Julien to protect him from a father she claims is violent. Antoine pleads his case as a scorned dad whose children have been turned against him by their vindictive mother. Unsure who is telling the truth, the appointed judge rules in favor of joint custody. A hostage to the escalating conflict between his parents, Julien is pushed to the edge to prevent the worst from happening.

Director: Xavier Legrand
Producer: Alexandre Gavras
Screenwriter: Xavier Legrand
Distributor: Kino Lorber
Production Co: France 3 Cinéma, K.G. Productions
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: French (France)
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 29, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $81.9K
Runtime: 1h 34m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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