Yesterday I went to see The Children Act which is based on a novel of the same name by Ian McEwan. I have not read the novel but as McEwan is one of my favorite writers I knew that this fim would be thought-provoking. It opens with Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson), a judge in the High Court of Justice in England and Wales, ruling on a case involving conjoined twins. The hospital is petitioning the court to separate the twins without the consent of the parents. If they are not separated, both of them will most likely die but, if they are, one of the twins will definitely die. Even though the case is an emotional one, she states that she must follow the letter of the law without prejudice or passion and rules in favor of the hospital. Her husband Jack (Stanley Tucci) accuses her of becoming just as dispassionate in their marriage and contemplates having an affair. She is clearly distraught at this news and, when she hears her next case involving a seventeen-year-old boy (Fionn Whitehead) with leukemia who is refusing treatment on religious grounds, she becomes emotionally involved. Her decision impacts her life just as much as it impacts the boy's and Thompson gives an incredibly powerful performance. There is an amazing scene where Fiona is playing a piano recital and all of the emotion that she has been trying to suppress is suddenly revealed on her face. Whitehead also gives a sensitive portrayal of a young man caught between his parents' beliefs and the law. It is a compelling character study but I felt that the resolution was a bit rushed and it fell a little flat. I found it to be rather unfulfilling after all of the emotional investment. However, I would recommend this film for Thompson's performance and for the provacative discussion of morality and law.
Note: This film reminds me a bit of The Wife in that a strong central performance overcomes any shortcomings it may have!
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