Lifetime continues its tradition of delivering edge-of-your-seat drama with Give Me Back My Daughter, premiering Saturday, April 5, 2025. This emotional thriller follows a mother’s desperate fight to reclaim her child from a broken system, featuring an all-star cast led by Academy Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe. Packed with courtroom drama, shocking twists, and heart-wrenching performances, this film explores the lengths a parent will go to protect their family.
When Renee (Sidibe) loses custody of her daughter under questionable circumstances, she embarks on a relentless quest for justice, uncovering systemic corruption and personal betrayals along the way. With themes of motherhood, resilience, and social injustice, Give Me Back My Daughter promises to be one of Lifetime’s most powerful original movies of the year – the kind of gripping story that will have viewers talking long after the credits roll.
Give Me Back My Daughter: Cast at a Glance
1- Gabourey Sidibe as Renee Johnson
Academy Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe delivers a powerhouse performance as Renee Johnson, a devoted single mother fighting to regain custody of her daughter. Known for her breakout role in Precious and scene-stealing turns in Empire and American Horror Story, Sidibe brings raw emotional depth to this challenging role, portraying Renee’s journey from despair to determination with remarkable authenticity. Her courtroom scenes crackle with intensity, particularly when facing off against the system that took her child, showcasing Sidibe’s ability to command the screen with both vulnerability and strength.
As the emotional anchor of the film, Sidibe’s Renee represents every parent’s worst nightmare while embodying the resilience of the human spirit. The actress worked closely with real mothers who experienced similar custody battles to ensure her portrayal remained grounded and truthful. Her chemistry with young co-star Cadence Reese creates the film’s most heart-wrenching moments, particularly in their limited visitation scenes where every glance and touch conveys volumes about their unbreakable bond.
2- Cadence Reese as Imani Johnson
Young newcomer Cadence Reese makes an impressive debut as Imani Johnson, the bright-eyed 9-year-old caught in a heartbreaking custody battle. Reese brings remarkable naturalism to her performance, capturing both the confusion and quiet wisdom of a child separated from her mother. Her scenes in the foster care system, particularly those with Jade Fernandez’s character, reveal Imani’s resilience while maintaining appropriate childlike vulnerability.
The emotional core of the film rests on Reese’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions and body language. Her whispered phone conversations with Sidibe’s character and tearful courtroom appearances will leave audiences reaching for tissues. Director Tina Mabry reportedly worked extensively with Reese to ensure the difficult subject matter was handled with care, resulting in a performance that feels authentic without being exploitative of the young actress.
3- Ashley Denise Robinson as County Attorney Maureen O’Hara
Ashley Denise Robinson delivers a nuanced performance as County Attorney Maureen O’Hara, the prosecutor determined to keep Imani in state custody. Known for her work on All American and The Rookie, Robinson brings steely professionalism to the role while allowing glimpses of the character’s underlying doubts about the system she represents. Her courtroom confrontations with Sidibe crackle with tension, as both actresses skillfully navigate the moral gray areas of their characters’ positions.
Robinson’s portrayal avoids easy villainy, instead presenting O’Hara as a complex professional who genuinely believes she’s protecting Imani. The actress researched real child welfare cases to understand the impossible decisions social workers and attorneys face daily. Her character’s gradual awakening to potential flaws in the system provides one of the film’s most compelling arcs, culminating in a powerful third-act confrontation that showcases Robinson’s impressive range.
4- Charmin Lee as Tiana Williams
Veteran actress Charmin Lee shines as Tiana Williams, Renee’s no-nonsense aunt and staunchest ally. With credits including Drop Dead Diva and Greenleaf, Lee brings warmth and wisdom to the role, serving as both comic relief and emotional support for Sidibe’s character. Her scenes advising Renee blend tough love with deep compassion, creating some of the film’s most authentic emotional moments.
Lee’s Tiana represents the often-overlooked extended family members who step up during crises. The actress brings decades of experience to her portrayal of a woman who’s seen life’s hardships but still believes in justice. Her kitchen-table conversations with Sidibe provide much-needed moments of levity and hope amidst the legal drama, while her final courtroom speech stands as one of the film’s most powerful moments.
5- Kelley Kali as Felicia King
Kelley Kali (I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking)) delivers a standout performance as Felicia King, the idealistic social worker assigned to Imani’s case. Kali brings remarkable depth to what could have been a stereotypical role, portraying Felicia’s growing disillusionment with the system while maintaining her character’s fundamental compassion. Her scenes with young Cadence Reese are particularly moving, showcasing the genuine connection she forms with her young charge.
Kali’s background in indie films informs her naturalistic approach to the role, making Felicia’s professional and personal struggles feel authentic. The actress shadowed real social workers to prepare, resulting in a performance that honors the difficult work of child welfare professionals. Her character’s moral dilemma—whether to follow protocol or her conscience—provides one of the film’s most thought-provoking subplots.
6- Brian Kurlander as Judge McCulloch
Brian Kurlander (The Morning Show) brings gravitas to the role of Judge McCulloch, the weary but fair-minded jurist presiding over the custody case. A former lawyer himself, Kurlander lends authenticity to the courtroom scenes, with his subtle facial expressions often conveying more than dialogue could. His portrayal captures the impossible balance judges must strike between legal precedents and human realities.
Kurlander’s performance shines in quiet moments of judicial contemplation, particularly during sidebar conversations where the weight of his decisions is palpable. The actor researched family court procedures extensively, resulting in a portrayal that feels documentary-real in its accuracy. His final ruling scene is a masterclass in restrained acting, with every hesitation and glance speaking volumes.
7- Sean Anthony Baker as Jeff Carter
Sean Anthony Baker (Snowfall) brings complexity to the role of Jeff Carter, Renee’s ex-boyfriend and Imani’s biological father. Baker skillfully walks the line between concerned parent and potential antagonist, keeping viewers guessing about his true motives throughout the film. His confrontations with Sidibe crackle with unresolved history and simmering resentment.
Baker’s portrayal avoids easy categorization, instead presenting Jeff as a flawed man who may or may not have his daughter’s best interests at heart. The actor’s chemistry with both Sidibe and young Cadence Reese adds layers to the family dynamics, particularly in flashback scenes that reveal happier times. His character’s arc culminates in a courtroom revelation that showcases Baker’s impressive emotional range.
8- Jade Fernandez as Halima Washington
Jade Fernandez makes a strong impression as Halima Washington, Imani’s foster sister who becomes her unlikely ally. Fernandez brings warmth and street-smart wisdom to the role, creating a character who helps Imani navigate the foster system while dealing with her own trauma. Their sisterly bond provides some of the film’s few lighthearted moments.
Fernandez’s natural performance style makes Halima feel like someone we might know in real life. The young actress handles difficult material with maturity beyond her years, particularly in scenes where she protects Imani from the harsher realities of their situation. Her final scene with Reese is unexpectedly poignant, demonstrating Fernandez’s ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue.
9- Walnette Marie Carrington as Kelly Simmons
Walnette Marie Carrington delivers a nuanced performance as Kelly Simmons, Imani’s foster mother. Carrington avoids simplistic villainy, instead portraying Kelly as a well-intentioned but flawed caregiver caught between system requirements and human connection. Her scenes with Cadence Reese reveal the complicated dynamics of temporary parenting.
Carrington brings subtlety to her portrayal, allowing viewers to see both the kindness and the limitations in Kelly’s approach to foster care. The actress researched the foster system extensively, resulting in a performance that honors both the challenges foster parents face and the emotional needs of the children in their care. Her character’s final scene with Sidibe provides one of the film’s most unexpectedly moving moments.
10- Christian Adam as Richard “Preppy Boss” Langley
Christian Adam (The Bold Type) steals scenes as Richard Langley, Renee’s condescending supervisor whose inflexible workplace policies contribute to her custody issues. Adam brings just the right amount of smarmy corporate indifference to the role, making him the perfect representation of systemic barriers working parents face.
Adam’s performance shines in his few but crucial scenes, particularly a tense confrontation where Renee pleads for schedule flexibility. The actor finds the humanity in what could have been a one-dimensional villain, showing flashes of discomfort when confronted with the real-world consequences of company policies. His character serves as an important reminder of how workplace culture can impact family stability.
11- Susan Gallagher as Mrs. Patterson
Susan Gallagher (Law & Order) brings quiet dignity to the role of Mrs. Patterson, the overworked case worker assigned to Imani’s file. Gallagher’s performance captures the exhaustion and compassion fatigue common among child welfare professionals, while still showing glimpses of the idealism that likely drew her to the field.
The veteran actress creates a fully realized character in limited screen time, particularly in a powerful scene where she admits the system’s failures to Sidibe’s character. Gallagher’s subtle portrayal honors the difficult position of frontline workers who must make life-altering decisions with limited resources and information.
12- Megan Gallacher as Woman in Shelter
Megan Gallacher (Blue Bloods) makes a memorable impact in her supporting role as a shelter resident who befriends Renee during her lowest moments. Gallacher brings gritty authenticity to her scenes, creating a fully realized character in just a few appearances. Her tough-but-tender advice to Sidibe’s character provides crucial emotional support at key moments.
Gallacher’s performance adds important texture to the film’s depiction of homelessness and poverty. The actress reportedly spent time volunteering at women’s shelters to prepare, resulting in a portrayal that feels deeply respectful and authentic. Her final scene with Sidibe is unexpectedly powerful, showcasing the bonds that form between women in crisis.
13- Mierka Girten as Court Officer Dawson
Mierka Girten (The Blacklist) brings quiet authority to her role as Court Officer Dawson. Though primarily a background character, Girten’s presence adds realism to the courtroom scenes, with her watchful eyes and professional demeanor enhancing the legal drama’s authenticity.
The actress finds moments to shine, particularly in scenes where her character’s subtle reactions hint at her opinions about the case. Girten’s performance exemplifies how skilled actors can elevate even small roles, adding depth to the film’s procedural elements.
14- Ray Acevedo as Detective Mendez
Ray Acevedo (FBI) appears as Detective Mendez, the investigator who begins questioning the circumstances of Imani’s removal. Acevedo brings his signature intensity to the role, creating a character whose dogged pursuit of truth adds an element of police procedural to the family drama.
The actor’s scenes with Sidibe crackle with tension, as his character’s investigation threatens to upend the entire case. Acevedo’s performance keeps viewers guessing about whether Mendez is ally or antagonist until the final act.
15- Madeleine Garcia as Nurse Alvarez
Madeleine Garcia appears in several emotional hospital scenes as Nurse Alvarez, who provides crucial medical testimony about Imani’s condition. Garcia brings compassionate professionalism to the role, creating a character who serves as both witness and healer.
The actress’s brief but impactful scenes add important medical context to the custody battle, with her testimony serving as a turning point in the legal proceedings. Garcia’s naturalistic performance enhances the film’s sense of realism.
Why This Lifetime Movie Stands Out
Unlike typical “woman in peril” Lifetime films, Give Me Back My Daughter tackles real-world issues with nuance and emotional intelligence. The script avoids easy villains, instead showing how well-meaning systems can fail families. With Sidibe’s Oscar-worthy performance at its center and direction by Tina Mabry (Queen Sugar, Insecure), this is elevated genre storytelling that entertains while sparking important conversations.
Don’t miss the premiere of Give Me Back My Daughter on Lifetime, Saturday April 5, 2025 at 8/7c – and keep tissues handy for this emotional rollercoaster about the unbreakable bond between mother and child.
