 Iris, based on the life of revered British writer and philosopher Iris Murdoch, is a story of unlikely yet enduring love. As a young academic, teaching philosophy at Oxford, Murdoch (Kate Winslet/Judi Dench) meets and eventually falls in love with fellow professor John Bayley (Hugh Bonneville/Jim Broadbent), a man whose awkwardness seems in stark opposition to the spirited self-confidence of his future wife. The story unfolds as snippets of time, seen through Bayley s eyes. He recalls their first encounter over 40 years ago, activities they enjoyed doing together, and Iris  charismatic and individualistic personality. These images portray Murdoch as a vibrant young woman with great intellect and are contrasted with the novelist s later life, after the effects of Alzheimer s disease have ravaged her. Murdoch s great mind deteriorates until she is reduced to a mere vestige of her former self, unable to perform simple tasks and completely reliant on her at times frustrated yet devoted husband.