Though
never horrendous enough to destroy the film’s excellent qualities, there are
enough flaws within Black and White
to make the film feel manufactured and insincere. Despite some great
performances by the adult leads, the screenplay backs the conflict into a
corner so that only an unbelievable bit of melodrama can neatly tie up the
ending for resolution. While this is somewhat forgivable, what is most
upsetting is how the larger issues of race are glossed over in favor of the
Lifetime-movie domestic clichés that involve alcoholism, drug abuse, and a near
drowning to provide the antagonist a moment of contrived redemption.
