“Iris” is a 2001 biographical drama film directed by Richard Eyre, based on the life of the renowned British novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch. The film stars Judi Dench and Kate Winslet in the roles of the older and younger Iris Murdoch respectively, with Jim Broadbent and Hugh Bonneville in supporting roles.

The film is a moving portrayal of the life and struggles of a brilliant and complex woman, from her early days as a promising writer and student at Oxford, to her later years when she is stricken with Alzheimer’s disease. The film is structured around the relationship between Iris and her husband John Bayley, played by Broadbent in his Oscar-winning performance.

The performances by the cast are all excellent, with Judi Dench and Kate Winslet delivering particularly standout performances as the older and younger Iris. The film is beautifully shot and directed, with a strong emphasis on the changing nature of memory and identity, and the impact of aging and illness on a person’s sense of self.

One of the strengths of “Iris” is its nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the characters, particularly the relationship between Iris and John Bayley. The film does not shy away from depicting the difficulties and challenges that arise in their relationship as a result of Iris’s illness, but also shows the deep love and connection between them that endures despite the ravages of time and disease.

Overall, “Iris” is a powerful and deeply affecting film that offers a moving portrait of a remarkable woman and her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a film that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, and it is definitely worth watching for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of memory, identity, and love.