Kevin Costner explores race relations in new drama 'Black or White'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In the new movie "Black or White," Kevin Costner plays a recent widower.

With his wife and his daughter now both gone, he's trying to raise his granddaughter. But the grandmother on the drug-addicted father's side thinks things need to change.

Costner's acting is very strong as a man struggling to cope with the pain in his life while trying to hold on to the only family he has left. And Octavia Spencer, who gets to be dramatic and comedic, does both equally well.

The film, inspired by a true story from the life of writer-director Mike Binder, also deals with race and prejudice. But at its core, it's about family and the strength that can come with that.

The child in the film, Jillian Estell, is a real find. The director picked her from more than 1,000 girls they looked at for the role.

"Black or White" is a film that will stay with you.