The Children Act ★★★★★

A gripping tale about a firm and determined woman played beautifully by Emma Thompson, Fionna Maye is a respected jurist who goes through an emotional struggle when faced with a marital problem.

At the beginning of the film, you’ll get to observe a harmonised married lifestyle with an almost choreographed like household routine. But things are not always what they seem to appear. Fionna, heedless of her neglect for her husband Jack (Stanley Tucci) is completely married to her profession as a judge. Jack, on the other hand, had increasingly become aware of their distant and cold relationship, decides to leave her.

This is where the young boy comes in. A brilliant young man with leukaemia who refuses treatment. Fionna, being the judge has to decide on his behalf.

For Fionna, this was a turning point for either the discovery or confirmation of her character as an individual. As well as it’s impact on the unfolding of their marriage.  This film, directed by Richard Eyre is incredibly fascinating to watch. To follow a court judge through her daily routine and be an observer of her life in and out of the courtroom was telling.

Interestingly, what the story leads to is intense and very engaging. There is an element of mystery and intrigue between Fionna’s personality and the relationships surrounding her. Throughout the film, everything appeared natural and seamless. A rare kind of movie based on the exceptional story written by Ian McEwan– immensely captivating. Very well translated into a beautiful dramatic film with a theatrical approach. A movie that is hard to forget.