The Children Act Starring Emma Thompson & Stanley Tucci, Directed by Richard Eyre

Based on Ian McEwan’s (Atonement) novel, it tells the story of Fiona Maye (Thompson), an eminent high court judge presiding over ethically complex cases. As the demands of her job cause her marriage to Jack (Tucci) to reach tipping point, Fiona is asked to rule on the case of Adam (Fionn Whitehead), a brilliant young boy who is refusing a life-saving blood transfusion on religious grounds.

With her private life in turmoil, Fiona finds herself drawn into the case, taking the unorthodox step of halting proceedings in order to visit Adam in hospital. As the two form a profound connection and powerful emotions come to light, Fiona’s judgement is put to the test with momentous consequences as she must ultimately decide whether Adam lives or dies.

Well that’s the dust cover synopsis, but far from being this story, it’s really about Ms Maye and her relationships to work, family and life. I was expecting (as written) a long, drawn out and complex case of legal and emotional juggling to save a boy’s life, but this is decided within the first 20 minutes. As such, I felt short changed as this had little to do with the subject nor title. Nevertheless, a reasonable film it was, but far from the over-excited Oscar-primed performance I was led to believe Emma Thompson would deliver.

Verdict: A film which will be popular with many, but I was disappointed the true story wasn’t used as promotional material. ***

This film will be shown at The Harbour Club Portscatho on Monday 28th January