"There's always a risk when adapting a McEwan novel. His particular style of descriptive creation is one that can be nigh on impossible to replicate on screen - the Children Act is an interesting attempt.
Emma Thompson plays a dedicated high court judge, her life consumed by work at the cost of her marriage. The cliche of the working woman having to 'dial back' her career to save her personal life is a particularly ugly one that never feels required. It would all be mundane if it wasn't for the fact Thompson is a commanding master of her role - every line has been tactfully considered and delivered.
In steps the case that changes her - she rules for a 17 year old Jehovah's Witness to have a blood transfusion, saving his life. What follows is a captivating but equally baffling plot involving needy stalking, amongst other things, from the survivor.
It doesn't particularly go anywhere and is nothing more than a blunt instrument to remind Thompson of a life she's forgotten. It's all a bit heavy handed, and despite some truly earnest scenes and brilliant acting, this could never be elevated from good to great"
- 6.5/10
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