The Children Act is a 2017 drama film directed by Richard Eyre, produced by Duncan Kenworthy, with a screenplay written by Ian McEwan, based on his 2014 novel of the same name.

Fiona Maye is a judge in the Family Division of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales.

She rules that, as a matter of law as laid out in the introduction of the Children Act 1989,[3] Adam's welfare is the "paramount consideration" and declares that the medical treatment, including blood transfusion, may proceed despite the absence of Adam's consent and that of his parents.

She carries on with work without making contact, changes the locks, and begins rehearsing the piano with Mark Berner (Anthony Calf), a colleague.

Shortly after she returns to London, Fiona accompanies Mark Berner on the piano at a lawyers' concert.

Fiona returns home, and breaks down in front of Jack, telling him the story and calling Adam a "lovely boy".

On 29 August 2016, it was reported that Emma Thompson was in talks to star in an adaptation of the Ian McEwan novel The Children Act directed by Richard Eyre and produced by Duncan Kenworthy.

The website's critical consensus reads, "The Children Act showcases yet another powerful performance from Emma Thompson, who elevates this undeniably flawed picture into an affecting adult drama.

"[11] On Metacritic, the film holds a rating of 62 out of 100, based on 28 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

[12] Peter Debruge of Variety gave the film a positive review, writing, "The Children Act is that rarest of things: an adult drama, written and interpreted with a sensitivity to mature human concerns.

"[13] Stephen Farber of The Hollywood Reporter also gave the film a positive review, saying, "The two central performances could hardly be better.