Review of The Children Act (2018) by Bernie M — 14 Jan 2019

2017 film based on the novel by Ian McEwan who also wrote the screenplay for the screen adaptation.

It follows a London-based High Court judge Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson) who works on cases involving Children and upholding The Children's Act as of the title.

The cases usually have an element of ethical, moral and U.K. law.

In the film Fiona juggles her job with her private life. A struggling marriage with Jack (Stanley Tucci, The Hunger Games trilogy). A marriage that appears neglected in terms of physical and emotional attachments.

Jack however hard he tries is unhappy and threatens to have an extra-marital affair.

Meanwhile in the seperate strand of the film, Fiona's latest case involves a 17 year old boy, ill with leukaemia who refuses a blood transfusion that may keep him alive it is argued by the medics.

His parents agree with their son, citing their Jehovah's Witness faith.

As in a film, Apostasy which I watched a few months ago I don't and won't pass judgment on the Jehovah faith. Instead it is left to judge's like Fiona to pass judgment in the still minor. He is under 18. So is a minor, in U.K. law.

Fiona goes against normal courtroom protocol in personally visiting the boy at his hospital bedside to clarify his (Adam) understanding of his plight.

Her judgment is to proceed with the transfusion which medically saves his life.

The story proceeds with a well Adam, contacting rather than stalking Fiona out of court twice.

Meanwhile the marriage problems continue at home.

In the final act, Adam's condition rapidly deteriorates.

A very intelligent film but for me it lacks not entertainment (this isn't the type) but a fluid storyline. The interloping stories of Fiona's personal and professional life are cloudy.

Emma Thompson's performance as usual is a highlight. It keeps interest in a mundane drama at times.

I'm glad I finally saw the film but equally glad I didn't make the effort for its cinema release.