‘A Child of My Own’ (2026) Netflix Movie Review - When Grief and Desperation Blur the Truth

This has been one of the most disturbing watches I've had, and if you are someone who has been struggling with fertility, maybe you should think twice before watching this. Directed by Maite Alberdi, A Child of My Own follows the life of Alejandra, a woman whose repeated miscarriages push her into an increasingly desperate attempt to become a mother. What started as a deeply painful story focusing on loss eventually turns into a disturbing case involving a newborn, a grieving biological mother, and events that are hard to accept.

Eleonor Alejandra Marín Mendoza, aka Ale, married at just 17 due to an early pregnancy. Sadly, Ale lost her first child. She attempted many times to have another baby. However, all of those attempts ended in repeated miscarriages. Then comes another option: adoption. But her husband isn’t willing to pursue it. Eventually, Ale claims that she met a woman who doesn’t want her baby. Instead, Ale makes the decision to adopt the child. But all is not what is shown to the naked eye. This is the uncertainty that revolves around A Child of My Own.

The execution of the plot is something that makes the whole story an interesting watch. Ale’s repeated miscarriages form the emotional foundation of her desperation. It also raises uncomfortable questions about how much pressure a woman has to face when it comes to childbearing and starting a family. What I also liked about A Child of My Own is how, before showing the actors and creating a visual presentation of Ale’s life, Alberdi introduces Ale first. That helps us to know who the real person is and what her story so far has been. This switch between real people and actors doesn’t sound or look confusing at all. Instead, it acts as a medium to convey Ale’s story to us in a more flawless manner.

Whatever Ale says is also well examined. There are interviews which remind us starkly that this is actually the life lived by someone. At the same time, the makers give us the space to wait and think every word spoken by Ale and decide for ourselves what we want to believe. Having said all this, A Child of My Own isn’t without its share of imbalance. For example, Mayra, the woman whose baby was taken, does come in front of the camera. Yet the plot seems to be focused more on Ale and her share of struggles. Very little screen space is given to Mayra, which makes you feel as if the plot and the makers leaned heavily toward covering Ale's plot. Had more time been imparted to Mayra, the overall plot would have been perfectly balanced.

But that is the only issue that one will find in the documentary. If you think there your questions will be answered, then no, that isn’t going to happen. But yes, it will force you to think of the countless issues women undergo and the case at large. But as I already said, for many couples and women, A Child of My Own can prove to be a difficult watch due to the nature of the subject covered. So best to watch only if you are sure about it.

Final Score - [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times