People doubted that Clint Eastwood could separate himself from the western movies he was most known for. Most people expected the first movie he directed to be a western in which he would cast himself as the lead. Needless to say, he surprised everyone with the dark and insightful “Mystic River” in 2003.

Now, Clint Eastwood raises to the top again, with a tragic drama inspired from a real story – Changeling. The story follows the tale of a mother whose child is kidnapped. The Los Angeles Police are on the case, and promptly return her child. The plot thickens, however, when the mother (Angelina Jolie) starts to realize that the child returned to her isn’t her own.

The movie doesn’t stray too far from what Clint Eastwood has accustomed us with – this drama is just as dark as Mystic River, and the dramatic aspect is enhanced by the fact that the story is true.

The movie’s artistic value is increased by an outstanding performance, delivered by Angelina Jolie. A humanitarian and a mother of six, the actress was reluctant to take on the role, as she feared it would make her be an even more protective mother.

Changeling unfolds, without a doubt, one of parents’ worst nightmares. But upon perusing the script more and more, Jolie decided to rise up to the challenge and tell the story of Christine Collins which took place in Los Angeles in 1928.

The character is locked in the psychiatric ward and is faced with a most cruel ethical dilemma, having to choose between signing a paper admitting the boy returned to her is indeed her son, which would lead to her being released from the ward, or staying true to her story but losing her freedom and being prevented from continuing the search for her son.

Changeling is a gripping story, masterfully directed and marvelously played by an exceptional cast.