Stepmom

Jackie, a busy single mother recovering from a divorce, is raising two children while juggling schedules, school events, and emotional ups and downs. Luke, her ex, is dating Isabel, a successful photographer whose professional life leaves little room for domestic instincts. Isabel tries to fit into a household where she isn't wanted, and the kids resist her efforts to help and set rules. When Jackie receives life-changing medical news, the two women have to rearrange priorities and set aside rivalries so the family can find stability, comfort, and meaningful moments during a difficult chapter.

Directed by Chris Columbus and adapted from work by Gigi Levangie, with screenplay contributions by Steven Rogers and Karen Leigh Hopkins, the film stars Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Harris, supported by Jena Malone and Liam Aiken, and was released in 1998.

Critics were mixed to positive, with most praise going to Roberts and Sarandon for their emotional chemistry and scenes that feel honest. Some reviews pointed out the film's sentimental tone, but many viewers connected with its focus on parenting, sacrifice, and the way relationships change when health and family are at stake.

On release the movie drew sizable audiences, becoming a commercial success for its genre and era, especially with adults looking for emotionally driven dramas. Its box office performance helped it stay visible through the awards season and home video market.

The movie settled into the late 90s pop culture landscape as a go-to reference for complicated stepfamily dynamics and for scenes that aim to balance humor with sorrow. Its portrayals of maternal bonds and adult friendship have kept it in conversations about how mainstream films handle illness, blended families, and the small sacrifices people make for those they love.