Directed by Peter Kosminsky Writing Credis Janet Fitch (novel) Mary Agnes Donoghue (screenplay) Cast Alison Lohman as Astrid Magnussen Robin Wright Penn as Starr Thomas Michelle Pfeiffer as Ingrid Magnussen Reéne Zellweger as Claire Richards Billy Connolly as Barry Kolker Svetlana Efremova as Rena Patrick Fugit as Paul Trout Cole Hauser as Ray Noah Whyle as Mark Richards Amy Aquino as Miss Martinez Liz Stauber Carolee Thomas Marc Donato as Davey Thomas Taryn Manning as Niki Genre Drama Budget $16 Box Office USA $16,357,770 Opening Weekend $5,607,480 / 1,510 theaters/ $3,713 average Widest release 1,510 theaters Release Date 11 October 2002 Filming Dates 23 April 2001 - June 2001 Filming locations Los Angeles, California, USA Plot Astrid (Alison Lohman) has always expected peace in her life with her eccentric artist mother, Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer). But when Ingrid commits a vengeful murder, the peace is disrupted, and Astrid is taken away, only to spend the next three years of her life going in and out of foster and group homes. Some families offer warmth (Renee Zellweger and Noah Wyle), some offer exploitation, and others offer jealousy and hatred (Robin Wright Penn). Awards and Nominations LINK