No. 97 (2018) The Children Act Oct 31st.

Film No 97 (2018) Oct. 31st.  6.45PM  PALACE CINEMAS Paradiso,  Northbridge . 

"The child's welfare will be the courts paramount consideration, life is more precious than dignity." (Judge Fiona Maye sums up her feelings for a case she presides over).

The stories by Ian McEwan, (Atonement, On Chesil Beach) have become popular fodder for the big screen in recent years. The Children Act, like Chesil, is written for the screen by McEwan without assistance; I'm not convinced he's a natural screenplay writer. Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson) is a high court judge. She decides on issues of morality which more often than not makes headlines. Her workload impedes on her home life. Husband Jack (Stanley Tucci) feels alienated and wants more from life. A case involving a teenager Adam (Fionn Whitehead) and his right to refuse a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs brings this drama to the screen. Thompson is in a class of her own. I just wasn't convinced the chemistry (script & character) between the three leads elevated the cinema experience to the level McEwan created in his novel. Given the reviews, my view would seem to be in the minority. 8GUMS.