“I’m always too busy. The law can take over your life,” says Emma Thompson in a new trailer for “The Children Act.” The Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter plays Fiona Maye, a high court judge presiding over a controversial and complex case. A young boy is refusing a life-saving blood transfusion on account of his and his parents’ religious beliefs, and Fiona must decide whether he’ll live or die.
Meanwhile, Fiona’s personal life is in crisis. Her husband (Stanley Tucci) admits that he’s considering an affair. “I love you. We’re meant to be together. But we don’t even kiss anymore,” he explains. The law has indeed taken over her life — and her husband has been relegated to the sidelines.
The case seems to cause Fiona to reevaluate her identity both inside the courtroom and outside of it. She halts proceedings to visit the boy and the two form an immediate connection that inspires her to look back at her own life.
Thompson won an Oscar for her role in “Howards End” and for her adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.” She’s teaming up with Mindy Kaling for “Late Night,” a comedy about a late-night talk show host directed by Nisha Ganatra (“Better Things,” “Girls”).
Based on Ian McEwan’s novel of the same name, “The Children Act” hits UK theaters August 24. A U.S. release date hasn’t been set yet. The drama premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews and awards buzz for Thompson’s performance.
