The Children Act 2018

Fiona Maye is a distinguished High Court Judge, recognized for her expertise in Family Law, residing in the serene surroundings of Gray’s Inn Square. As she meticulously reviews a case, she receives an unexpected visit from her husband, Jack Maye. He confesses that their marriage has become devoid of physical intimacy and expresses his desire to engage in a sexual affair with a 28-year-old statistician, seeking Fiona’s consent. This shocking revelation horrifies her, leading Fiona to firmly refuse his proposal. The root of her distress stems from a traumatic case she recently presided over, where her ruling on the separation of conjoined twins resulted in the death of one of the twins. While her peers praised her as an intelligent and elegant judge, Fiona is haunted by that verdict, a burden she chooses not to share with Jack.

In the midst of their heated argument, Fiona is interrupted by a call regarding an urgent case involving a young teen named Adam Henry, a Jehovah’s Witness battling leukemia, who is refusing a life-saving blood transfusion. As Jack storms out, Fiona heads to work, grappling with thoughts about her marriage and the absence of children in her life, a consequence of her unwavering commitment to her career. In a moment of impulsivity, she decides to change the locks on their home, fully aware of the illegal nature of her actions. Upon returning, she is struck by the realization that Jack has not attempted to return or reach out to her.

The following day, Fiona hears the arguments concerning Adam’s case. Since he is merely three months away from turning 18, she visits him in the hospital to determine whether he truly comprehends the gravity of denying medical treatment. In their meeting, Adam displays his precocious intellect and kindness, sharing poetry and offering her a heartfelt musical performance on his violin. Their impromptu duet culminates in a joyful moment. Energized by their encounter, Fiona makes the ruling that permits the hospital to administer the transfusion. However, upon returning home, she discovers that Jack has come back, regretting his earlier stance. This moment brings Fiona mixed feelings; she had just begun to accept her solitude, which she finds disappointing.

As months pass, the tension in Fiona’s marriage persists. She starts receiving letters from Adam, expressing gratitude for her decision while also revealing his growing disillusionment with his parents and religion. Fiona attempts to ignore these communications, yet the impact of Adam’s words weighs heavily on her. During a work trip to Newcastle, she runs into Adam, who reveals that he has left his home and wishes to live with her. Fiona, however, stands firm in her refusal and encourages him to reach out to his mother. In an emotionally charged farewell, their goodbye kiss unexpectedly turns into a moment of passion that leaves Fiona feeling alarmed.

After returning home, Fiona and Jack begin to rebuild their relationship, gradually growing closer. Another letter from Adam arrives, containing a religious poem that suggests he views Fiona as a temptation leading him astray from his faith. Ignoring his letters persists, yet Fiona’s focus shifts as she prepares for a Christmas concert for her colleagues. The night before the concert, she and Jack share a tender moment of reconciliation, promising to recommit to each other.

However, during the concert, Fiona receives devastating news: Adam has succumbed to his leukemia after rejecting treatment, now that he is of legal age. Heartbroken, she performs at the concert and rushes home, where she recounts the details of Adam’s case, their kiss, and his untimely death to Jack. Overwhelmed with guilt for her complicity in his tragic return to faith, she breaks down, crying herself to sleep. Yet, in the early hours, Jack reassures her of his love as Fiona opens up about her guilt, fostering a deeper connection between them amidst the turmoil.