Emma Thompson

EMMA Thompson makes a life or death decision in The Children Act.

She plays Family Court judge Fiona Maye who has to rule whether 17-year-old Jehovah’s Witness Adam (Fionn Whitehead) has the right to refuse the blood transfusion that could save his life.

After visiting him in hospital, the courtroom tale turns into a tense stalker drama when a very unusual relationship develops between them.

Here, the Oscar-winner talks us through her role…

Q: What did you learn from spending time with real judges?

A: It was one of the greatest privileges. It’s extraordinary the arcane hierarchies within that system. They are these God-like creatures in their robes, walking around with this extraordinary power. Hardly any women have that kind of power in the world, ever. So you’re playing something very unusual.

I watched them in action and I talked to them afterwards. Watching them in action was extraordinary because they listen with their whole bodies. It’s like they go so still, and the way they listen is so focused. It’s their task to listen and then calibrate and recalibrate the information that is coming in, over and over, like this extraordinary computer. The level of work and brain power is amazing.

Q: The hospital scene is pivotal. How does it affect Fiona and Adam?

A: Fiona really listens to