THE CHILDREN ACT (2018)

In the midst of a marital crisis, a High Court judge must decide if she should order a life-saving blood transfusion for a teen with cancer despite his family’s refusal to accept medical treatment for religious reasons.
—
Brilliant movie! Emma Thompson is superb as the High Court judge as she navigates her crumbling relationship with her husband (played by outstanding Stanley Tucci) and the ethical complexities of the case of the Jehovah’s Witness boy (Fionn Whitehead) who is refusing a life-saving blood transfusion. Whitehead’s performance is impeccable and mature and when he and Thompson are on screen together it’s deeply moving. The story of moral complexity is sensitively and respectfully told. I was riveted for the entire film. This is truly an adult film that handles challenging themes with intelligence. A must see.