What Makes a Family
2001, English. Directed by Maggie Greenwald.
Based on the controversial true story
Janine and Sandy are a lesbian couple who decide to have a baby, but after a few years Sandy dies. This tragedy is exploited by Sandy's parents to snatch the girl from Janine's care. But then, and despite having the laws against her, Janine decides to fight in order to regain custody of her daughter.
- Runtime
- 2h 0m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch What Makes a Family
What Makes a Family isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 January 2001.
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Cast & crew
- Maggie GreenwaldDirector
- Brooke ShieldsJanine Nielssen
- Cherry JonesSandy Cataldi
- Whoopi GoldbergTerry Harrison
- Anne MearaEvelyn Cataldi
- Al WaxmanFrank Cataldi
- Jordy BenattarHeather Cataldi
- Melanie Nicholls-KingNora
- Stewart ArnottPeter
- Jo VannicolaMelissa
- Roberta MaxwellClaire
- Dean McDermottO'Brien
- Sean McCannJudge Black
Details
- Released
- 22 January 2001
- Country
- Canada, United States of America
- Written by
- Robert L. Freedman
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News & fan talk
What What Makes a Family is based on
What Makes a Family is based on a true story.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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What Makes a Family: quick answers
Is What Makes a Family worth watching?
What Makes a Family doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is What Makes a Family?
What Makes a Family runs 120 minutes (2h 0m).
Does What Makes a Family have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for What Makes a Family. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
What Makes a Family parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for What Makes a Family yet.
Which OTT platform is What Makes a Family on?
What Makes a Family isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 January 2001. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like What Makes a Family?
If you liked What Makes a Family, try Girl in the Box, Love You to Death, Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault.
Who directed What Makes a Family?
What Makes a Family (2001) was directed by Maggie Greenwald and stars Brooke Shields, Cherry Jones, Whoopi Goldberg.
What is What Makes a Family based on?
What Makes a Family is based on a true story.