The Children Act (2017)

About The Children Act

The Children Act is a riveting drama movie based upon Ian McEwan's 2014 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson), a High Court judge who specializes in Family Law. She becomes involved in the case of a Jehovah's Witness boy named Adam (Fionn Whitehead) who refuses a life-saving blood transfusion on religious grounds. As she fights to save his life, she also navigates the turmoil of her own personal life, struggling with a failing marriage.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by acclaimed director Richard Eyre. It was scripted by the novel's author Ian McEwan himself, making the movie a particular treat for those who loved the novel. The commitment of the team in creating a compelling, accurate and enriching story can specifically be seen in the characters and the intricate plot progression.

Actors

• Emma Thompson as Fiona Maye: Thompson delivers a poignant and powerful performance as a judge whose professional dedication clashes with her personal life.
• Stanley Tucci as Jack, Fiona's neglected husband, adding another layer of complexity to the story. His emotional performance portrays a character struggling with feelings of loneliness and unwantedness.
• Fionn Whitehead as Adam: Whitehead is impressive in his portrayal of a young boy caught up in a series of events that challenge his faith and change his life forever.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie is an adaptation of an Ian McEwan novel, written by McEwan himself.
• Emma Thompson has stated in interviews that playing Fiona Maye was one of the most challenging roles of her career.
• The film's title, The Children Act, refers to a British act of Parliament of the same name.

Awards

Despite its powerful performances and engaging storyline, The Children Act didn't win any major awards. However, Emma Thompson's performance was highly praised and earned her several nominations.

Quotes

• "I think it's my function to try to give them what they need to flourish." - Fiona
• "I'm so tired of facts. You know, always being right about things. It's lonely." - Jack

Music and Soundtrack

• The score was created by Stephen Warbeck and infuses emotional depth into the movie's narrative.
• The song "Down by the Sally Gardens", played by Adam on his violin had significant impact on the plot development.