Instinto Maternal (1995), also known as Losing Isaiah, is a poignant drama directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, starring Jessica Lange, Halle Berry, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film explores themes of adoption, race, and maternal bonds. The plot centers on Margaret (Lange), a white woman who adopts a black child named Isaiah, who was abandoned by his biological mother, Khaila (Berry). However, when Khaila turns her life around, she fights to reclaim Isaiah with the help of a determined lawyer (Jackson), leading to a legal battle over his custody.

The film examines the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by both women, especially as Khaila’s new circumstances challenge the notion of motherhood and the rights of biological parents. The performances, especially from Lange and Berry, are central to the film’s emotional depth, as they navigate complex characters caught in grief, healing, and love​.

Instinto Maternal also sparks discussions on race and identity, particularly in the context of child-rearing across racial lines. While the film’s premise of a legal battle over adoption may appear far-fetched to some critics, it provides a deep dive into the complexities of relationships formed by motherhood​.