Gloria has just left prison, where she spent three years after taking the blame for a crime to protect her boyfriend, Kevin. She expects the money he promised her, but her plans grow complicated when the criminal circle around him unravels over a dispute involving the gang's accountant. She meets a seven-year-old boy who has lost nearly everything, and she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep him safe.

How it was made

The film is a remake of John Cassavetes' 1980 Gloria. Scott Kalvert was first assigned to direct but left the project, and Sidney Lumet stepped in during July 1997. Sharon Stone was cast in the title role in April of that year. The search for the young actor who would play Nicky ended with six-year-old Jean-Luke Figueroa, who impressed the team most. George C. Scott accepted the role of Ruby after Albert Finney turned it down. Rehearsals began on September 8, 1997, and filming followed. Howard Shore composed the score and David Watkin served as cinematographer.

Reception and legacy

The film opened in the United States in January 1999 and was a box-office failure, grossing about 4.9 million dollars worldwide against a budget of 30 million. Critics were largely negative, singling out Stone's performance, which earned her a Worst Actress nomination at the Golden Raspberry Awards. Lawrence Van Gelder of The New York Times was among the few who praised it. It was George C. Scott's final film appearance; he died eight months after its release.