
Iris
2001, Drama, 1h 30m
112 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
A solidly constructed drama, Iris is greatly elevated by the strength of its four lead performances. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Iris Photos
Movie Info
Two of the most acclaimed actresses of our time, Judi Dench and Kate Winslet, bring to the screen one of the most extraordinary women of her generation, celebrated author, Iris Murdoch. From her days as a brilliant scholar at Oxford, where she thrilled the world around her with her libertine spirit, through her career as a philosopher and novelist, Iris was truly ahead of her time.
Cast & Crew
Judi Dench
Iris Murdoch
Iris Murdoch
Jim Broadbent
John Bayley
John Bayley
Kate Winslet
Young Iris Murdoch
Young Iris Murdoch
Hugh Bonneville
Young John Bayley
Young John Bayley
Penelope Wilton
Janet Stone
Janet Stone
Juliet Aubrey
Young Janet Stone
Young Janet Stone
News & Interviews for Iris
Critic Reviews for Iris
Audience Reviews for Iris
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Oct 29, 2011Whilst the performances and cast we very good and well suited to each other, I feel like this is supposed to make Iris look like a great person who had a brilliant life but what I saw was completely to the contrary. They showcased Iris to be a selfish, horrible and uncaring woman who only has a sense of humanity when she becomes ill. Her poor husband John who she treated terribly should have left her the moment he met her. Really didn't enjoy this film at all.Sophie B Super Reviewer
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Apr 18, 2011Though a bit underdeveloped, confusing and inconsistant in its times jumps, "Iris" is still a quite well-acted, well-written, emotional and ultimately, rather immersive biopic.Cameron J Super Reviewer
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Nov 03, 2010While I watched this film, I enjoyed it. i enjoyed Dench's convincing portrayal of the Alzheimer's-afflicted Murdoch and Winslet as the vivacious younger Murdoch, and I was astounded by Jim Broadbent, who deserved the Oscar for Murdoch's stuttering, inferior-complex-afflicted, devoted husband. He is truly fantastic in this role. But as I thought about the film, I realized just how eminently forgettable it is. Not only is it thin on plot, the narrative structure - with multiple flashbacks and half-scenes - actually detracts from the dramatic impact of the story. Attention story-tellers of all ilks: this is how *not* to do fractured time. Just because Tarantino can make it work, doesn't mean everyone else can. Also, for a moment, the Dench/Broadbent storyline seems to echo <i>A Beautiful Mind</i>, and we are mercifully given a central, driving goal, but this is unfortunately abandoned, and more rousing violins play. Thank heavens for Broadbent, who almost makes it all worth it.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Jul 13, 2010Each individual performance was influenced by the actual character, but personality leaked in undoubtedly. Judi Dench, so utterly amazingly, took on Alzheimer's without her usual grace, which not only surpirsed me, but made me respect her more. Winslet was her usual whimsical self, and Broadbent, the cooky man of the hour, put on the appearance of a man with little left in life. Beautiful, and scary, it would have been much better had they focused more on Iris' past, and less on her later years.Spencer S Super Reviewer
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