Film Review: The Children Act (2017)
UK Release 24 August 2018| 1h 45min | Drama |Director: Richard Eyre
Writers: Ian McEwan (screenplay by), Ian McEwan (based on the novel by)
Stars: Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Fionn Whitehead
The Children Act is centred on Finona Maye (Emma Thompson), a High Court judge in the Family Division. Her work is taking a heavy toll on her marriage to Jack (Stanly Tucci) and other social relationships. She is consumed by it and the incredible responsibility of that role has forced out all consideration of other duties and obligations.
There is a sensitive depiction of what happens when overwork and middle age start to disrupt a loving relationship.
The plot revolves around the case of Adam Henry (Fionn Whitehead), a young Jehovah’s Witness refusing a life-saving blood transfusion on religious grounds. Yet the film is really about professional boundaries, relationships and dealing with buried emotions. It explores the potential conflict between a professional role and feelings of empathy and sympathy. How far does a natural instinct of kindness undermine the need for professional distance? How can that be communicated without appearing heartless and cold or shutting ourselves down emotionally? It’s all done with very fine acting and in a understated way.
It’s great to see such a fascinating female protagonist and to get a glimpse of the work and challenges of our High court judges. This movie is both thought-provoking and engaging. Go see it!
Reviewed by Pat Harrington
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKQkUcJioxU
Originally published at countercultureuk.com on August 21, 2018.