Instinto Maternal (Losing Isaiah, 1995), directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of motherhood, identity, and the devastating impact of loss. Based on the novel of the same name by Seth Margolis, the film delves into the emotional and legal battle between two mothers who fight for the custody of a young child, each believing they have the right to raise him. The powerful performances by Jessica Lange, Halle Berry, David Strathairn, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Samuel L. Jackson bring depth and nuance to this compelling story.

The film follows the story of Isaiah, a young boy who is abandoned by his biological mother, Khaila (Halle Berry), a drug addict struggling with her demons. After being found by social services, Isaiah is adopted by Margaret (Jessica Lange), a wealthy, white social worker who provides him with a stable and loving home. Years later, Khaila turns her life around and seeks to regain custody of her son, setting off a heartbreaking legal battle between the two women. As the fight intensifies, both mothers are forced to confront their own identities, values, and desires, all while grappling with the intense love they each feel for Isaiah.