Cradles for Cash is an emotional and heart-wrenching drama movie that follows the story of a pregnant surrogate named Amanda (Adrienne Frantz), who finds herself in the middle of a legal battle with the intended parents of the child she is carrying. The movie opens with Amanda, a struggling actress in Los Angeles, who decides to become a surrogate to pay off her debt and make ends meet. She is matched with a wealthy couple, Alyssa and David (Christy Romano and Scott Bailey), who are unable to conceive a child of their own. The couple seems perfect on paper, but as the pregnancy progresses, Amanda becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the way they treat her and their expectations.
As the due date approaches and with tensions rising, the couple reveals that they are not interested in bonding with the child and are solely concerned with getting their hands on the baby as soon as possible. Amanda, feeling the weight of the situation on her shoulders, must decide whether to keep the baby or give it to the intended parents.
The situation becomes more complicated when Alyssa's estranged sister, Samantha (Gabrielle Stone), shows up and tries to assert her rights as the baby's aunt. Complicating matters further, a shady lawyer (Dominic Keating) becomes involved in the case, offering Amanda a way out of her predicament.
Throughout the movie, we see Amanda struggle with her own feelings about motherhood, the intended parents' demands, and the legal battle that ensues. She must navigate the complex emotions of the situation while also dealing with the possibility that she may lose the baby she has grown to love.
The movie is a powerful commentary on the surrogacy industry and the legal and emotional complexities that can arise when creating a child through this process. It also addresses themes of motherhood, family, and the love that can develop between a surrogate and the child she carries.
Adrienne Frantz delivers a standout performance as Amanda, bringing depth and nuance to the character's journey. Christy Romano and Scott Bailey also do an excellent job portraying the entitled and self-centered intended parents, while Gabrielle Stone adds a layer of complexity to the story as the estranged sister trying to make things right.
The movie is beautifully shot, with many of the scenes taking place in the bright and sunny Los Angeles landscape. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of upbeat and emotional songs that underscore the movie's various moods.
In conclusion, Cradles for Cash is a thought-provoking and poignant drama that explores the complex emotions of surrogacy and motherhood. With a talented cast and a well-written script, the movie is sure to leave an impression on audiences long after the credits roll.
Cradles for Cash is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.