Netflix is removing Emma Thompson and Jason Watkins’ drama The Children Act later this month.
Based on the 2014 Ian McEwan novel of the same name, the film follows High Court judge Fiona as she takes part in the case of a 17-year-old boy suffering with leukaemia.
While doctors want to perform a blood transfusion, his Jehovah’s Witness parents forbid it due to their strict religion. The more she gets involved and the longer the case takes, the more her personal life and marriage are pushed to breaking point.
What to Read Next
Alongside Thompson and Watkins, the film also stars The Hunger Games’ Stanley Tucci, Dunkirk’s Fionn Whitehead, and Apple Tree Yard’s Ben Chaplin.
The last day to watch the film on Netflix is 17 September, and it’s not available on any other subscription service at the moment.
eOne
Related: Best streaming services in 2025
The Children Act has a solid 74% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes from 112 collected critic reviews.
A BFI Sight & Sound review reads: “Directed with immaculate poise and discretion by Richard Eyre, who propels us into high society with such ease you feel you belong there, The Children Act is a meticulously calibrated drama worthy of Claude Sautet, and not just a distinguished example of the kind of ‘masterpiece theatre’ the British film industry reliably coughs up for awards consideration.”
eOne
Related: Has The Thursday Murder Club sequel been confirmed? Here’s all you need to know
“In a career that’s spanned every genre, across roles that are silly and serious, The Children Act has to be one of her best,” News.com.au wrote. “You could watch this quietly dignified performance for days. No one quite breaks your heart like Thompson can.”
In a more mixed review, HeyUGuys said: “Emma Thompson is simply magnificent in yet another role which allows her to showcase her unique talent and unequaled vulnerability. Her ability to command every inch of the screen from start to finish is what ultimately saves the film from being a disappointingly mundane affair.”
The Children Act is available to stream on Netflix.
Digital Spy’s new print issue is here! Buy Oasis – Live in ’25 in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he’s covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I’m a Fish.