Watch The Children Act

The Children Act is a 2017 British drama film directed by Richard Eyre and starring Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, and Reena Lalbihari. Based on the novel of the same name by Ian McEwan, the film follows the life of Fiona Maye, a judge in the Family Division of the High Court of Justice in London. The movie starts with Fiona Maye working on a case of conjoined twins. The family's religious beliefs do not permit surgery to separate them, which would result in the death of one twin. Fiona has to weigh up the case and come to a decision based on the principle of what is in the best interest of the child.

The film delves into Fiona's troubled personal life, which is on the brink of collapsing. Her husband, Jack, played by Stanley Tucci, is fed up with her detachment and is ready to leave her. Fiona's work consumes her, and she barely has enough time to spare for her husband.

As her marriage falls apart, Fiona is presented with a case involving Adam, a 17-year-old boy with leukemia who refused a blood transfusion on religious grounds. Fiona must balance the religious beliefs of Adam and his parents against the medical advice given by his doctors, which could save his life.

Emma Thompson delivers a powerful performance in her role as Fiona. Her character, a determined and independent woman, is skillfully crafted and portrays her inner conflicts as she grapples with the challenging decisions in her profession and personal life.

Stanley Tucci's performance as Fiona's husband is equally impressive. His character, Jack, is supportive of Fiona, but he too has needs, which Fiona has failed to meet, leading to the unravelling of their marriage. The scenes between the two lead actors are emotionally charged, creating an intense experience for the audience.

Reena Lalbihari's role as Adam's mother is also noteworthy, providing an excellent performance as a devout Jehovah's Witness who wants what is best for her child, but is unable to see past her religious beliefs.

The Children Act is a thought-provoking drama that explores issues around faith, family, and the law. It raises questions about what is deemed to be in the best interests of a child, and whether the court should force medical procedures to be carried out when religious beliefs are involved.

The plot is well crafted, and the courtroom scenes punctuate the story in an effective way, adding to the movie's tension and intensity. The film is beautifully shot, and the cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of London and the surrounding countryside.

Overall, The Children Act is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a poignant drama that addresses important issues and features exceptional performances from the cast. It is a must-see for fans of Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, and Ian McEwan's work.

The Children Act is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 62.