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Iris
Iris

Iris

December 14, 2001· 1h 31m
Directed by
Cinemagraphs Score6.3

True story of the lifelong romance between novelist Iris Murdoch and her husband John Bayley, from their student days through her battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Critics Sentiment

Critics6.3
No audience data yet —
1 — Hated it5 — Neutral10 — Masterpiece
Critics
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8+ Great
6-8 Good
<6 Poor
17 reviews·Last updated 28d ago
Peak Moment

Young Iris pursues the bumbling and incredibly shy John

7.2at 11m
Lowest Moment

Iris cannot understand which side of a door to pass through

5.3at 53m
Biggest Swing

Sharp decline from the romantic courtship scenes to Iris's deepest confusion and deterioration in the middle section

Critics praised the stellar performances, particularly Jim Broadbent's Oscar-winning portrayal of devoted husband John, while finding the film emotionally affecting but limited in scope. The film succeeds as a study of caregiving and Alzheimer's impact on relationships, though many felt it failed to capture the full depth of Iris Murdoch's intellectual brilliance and literary achievements. Overall reception was respectful but mixed, with admiration for the acting craft balanced against criticism of the narrow focus on disease rather than celebrating the woman's remarkable life.

17 reviews analyzed|Sources: Guardian, Critic_blog, Imdb
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15.510

Rate each story beat:

Iris Murdoch meets John Bayley at Somerville College Oxford
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it
Young Iris pursues the bumbling and incredibly shy John⬆ Peak moment
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it
Iris begins experiencing forgetfulness and early dementia symptoms
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it
Young and elderly Iris swimming in the lake sequences
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it
Iris cannot understand which side of a door to pass through⬇ Lowest moment
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it
Finished copy of Jackson's Dilemma placed in Iris's hands
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it
John's resources to handle the situation become completely exhausted
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it
Iris seems happy in the nursing home giving John peace
5.0
Hated itNeutralLoved it

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