Opened: August 24, 2018

Directed by: Richard Eyre

Starring: Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Fionn Whitehead, Ben Chaplin, Jason Watkins, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Anthony Calf, Rosie Cavaliero, Eileen Walsh, Nicholas Jones & Rupert Vansittart

While the trial at the center of The Children Act is riveting to watch play out, the story following the case teeters on the line of oddity.

Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson) is a judge in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales whose work life has overtaken he personal life, which makes her clash with her husband Jack (Stanley Tucci). She’s presented a case where Adam (Fionn Whitehead) needs a blood transfusion, but his parents won’t sign off for religious reasons.

Thompson is fantastic with Fiona being highly intellectual and not adhering to usual standards by seeing Adam in person. You’ll have empathy for Adam but as the story continues, his character becomes discomforting.

The marriage issues between Fiona and Jack also feel out of place and unnecessary.

Final say: Ruling in slight favor. ★★★☆☆