The Children Act (12A)

A well-known High Court Judge must decide the fate of a sick teenage boy. Should she force him to have a blood transfusion that will save his life?

Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson) is a respected High Court Judge living London, who handles ethically complicated cases of family law. But her heavy workload is taking its toll on her marriage to her husband, Jack (Stanley Tucci), and their relationship has reached breaking point.

While trying to grapple with her own personal problems, she is asked to rule on the case of sick teenage boy, Adam (Fionn Whitehead), who has leukaemia.

But this case is more complex than ever before and throws up a painful life-changing decision. Adam and his parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses and their religious beliefs will not allow for the simple blood transfusion that is crucial for his recovery.

Although only three months away from turning 18, Adam is still legally a child and his fate lies in the law’s hands. Should Fiona force him to live?

Based on the best-selling novel by Ian McEwan, The Children Act is a moving drama that draws parallels between morals and the reality of living with them. Directed by Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal), the film sees Oscar-award winner Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks) take on a remarkable lead performance, alongside the talented Fionn Whitehead (Him) and Stanley Tucci (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire).

Cert: 12A

Running time: 1hr 45mins