One of Emma Thompson’s best roles in an acclaimed drama film based on a heartbreaking true story is now streaming for free.

Based on an acclaimed novel by Ian McEwan, in turn loosely inspired by an unbelievable true story, The Children Act is a must-watch for cinephiles this week.

If you want to be stunned and deeply moved at every turn, look no further than BBC iPlayer from Monday night as the film will be available shortly after its broadcast on BBC Two.

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That means you’ll be able to tune in totally free of charge and have your world shaken over the course of this heart-stopping, 90-minute drama.

Hollywood star Stanley Tucci also features in this gripping narrative about High Court judge Fiona Maye, who is forced to decide the fate of a teenage boy (played by Fionn Whitehead) refusing a blood transfusion that could save his life on religious grounds.

Meanwhile, her marriage to husband Jack (Tucci) is crumbling, putting everything she’s built towards at risk during the most pivotal point of her career.

Critics and film fans alike have been raving about The Children Act since its release in 2017, with the BFI calling it “a heartbreaking lament for loves lost and lives unrealised, a restrained, nuanced movie about nuance and restraint.”

The Guardian added: “It is a highly watchable drama of the highly educated public-servant class.

“Emma Thompson’s performance, so elegant and vulnerable, carries the picture.”

A Google review raved: “I was so moved by Thompson's performance, that I revisited this film for 4 viewings. The young man, Fionn Whitehead was as engaging as a seasoned actor twice his age.”

Another five-star write-up said: “Beautiful. That was the first word that came to mind when I watched this movie.

“The execution was simply marvelous. Somehow these people managed to become the characters and bring out such raw emotion whilst being formal and well mannered.

"The crew definitely aced it with this one. Bravo!”

And a strong review on Letterboxd declared: “Emma Thompson broke my heart in this absorbing drama that will definitely stick with me.”

With the unbeatable Thompson in the lead, now’s the perfect time to catch up on an underrated performance from one of the UK’s best performers.

The Children Act is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.