Iron Lady

MERYL Streep puts in a Golden Globe winning performance as Britain’s only female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

The Iron Lady

Cert. 12A

3/5 stars

MERYL Streep puts in a Golden Globe winning performance as Britain’s only female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, from her teens spent working in the family shop, through her time at the helm of the Conservative party, to the frail, rarely seen woman of today.

Made by an ‘A’ team, including the director of Mamma Mia (Phyllida Lloyd) and the writer of Shame, one of 2012’s most critically acclaimed films, along with the star power of Streep, The Iron Lady was always going to be an impressive piece of work.

Those expecting a no-holds-barred rip at Thatcher’s combative leadership style and loathsome reputation will be disappointed, as it seems Lloyd had a different agenda, be it political or not.

Given her iconic status, it’s easy to forget what Thatcher lived and lead through and this affectionate portrait encourages viewers to think again about the impact she had on Britain.

Despite this, I wouldn’t call The Iron Lady a biopic, as it barely touches on the controversies of her time in office and instead, offers a rose-tinted insight into her personal relationships and early life, both of which are beautifully written and touchingly performed however.

The story is really a universal tale of the tragic effect dementia has on even the most imposing figures and it feels intrusive to see a real-person depicted in this way.

The film wouldn’t have gone anywhere without Streep and it’s likely such a sympathetic portrayal will be met with some animosity, still, it really is a cracking impression.

AW