Opened: December 26, 2011

Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd

Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Iain Glen, Anthony Head, Nicholas Farrell, Richard E. Grant, Susan Brown, Alexandra Roach, Harry Lloyd, Emma Dewhurst, Victoria Bewick, Martin Wimbush, Paul Bentley, Robin Kermode, John Sessions, Roger Allam, David Westhead, Michael Pennington, Angus Wright, Julian Wadham, Nick Dunning, Pip Torrens, Nicholas Jones, Matthew Marsh & Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Though the film itself is not a great product, Meryl Streep gives one of her strongest performances as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Nearing the end of her life, Margaret continues to see her recently passed husband Denis (Jim Broadbent), which worries those around her, including her daughter Carol (Olivia Colman). Margaret reflects on her past and the fight against the men who didn’t believe in her.

While there are hints at the backlash against Thatcher’s political ideals, the film mostly skips over them allowing Thatcher to become a mostly unquestionable hero. Compared to history, this isn’t true, and it would have been gratifying to see her struggle against both her colleagues and the public.

Streep – with a brilliant accent – gives Thatcher strength in her power years, while bringing fragility in the later ones.

Final say: Needs more reality. ★★☆☆☆