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Poster for Iris

Iris

Seen it?

2001 | 91 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It won an Oscar and it earned strong reviews (79% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved The Bridges of Madison County or Doctor Zhivago, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 31 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    79% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars, 2 more Golden Globes and 2 SAG Awards. Plus 10 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $16 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 102K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Richard Eyre

  • Kate WinsletYoung Iris Murdoch
  • Judi DenchIris Murdoch
  • Jim BroadbentJohn Bayley
  • Hugh BonnevilleYoung John Bayley
  • Penelope WiltonJanet Stone
  • Samuel WestYoung Maurice
  • Timothy WestOlder Maurice
  • Kris MarshallDr. Gudgeon
  • Juliet AubreyYoung Janet Stone
  • Derek HutchinsonPostman