Streep's Thatcher is a surprisingly intimate portrait of one of the most revered women of the 20th century. It's a warts-and-all image that isn't told in chronological order, instead it cuts between the past and present day to juxtapose the "then" with the "now".
We're introduced to young Margaret as a teenager working in the family grocery store. When she's not sweeping, she's swept up in her father's other career as mayor of their little English village. We learn early on that her conservative political views and likely, her world view, is shaped by her upbringing in the middle class British household.
She's accepted to Oxford - meets the love of her life, Denis (Jim Broadbent plays the older version of Denis in an Oscar-worthy performance), and returns home to run for a seat in Parliament. Her political career doesn't follow a 90-degree trajectory, but she handles wins and losses with the same resolute determination that would serve her well in later years at No. 10 Downing Street.
Director Phyllida Lloyd (Mama Mia!) tells the story of the complicated lady through historical flashbacks and her interaction with the deceased Denis. It's a little bit creepy and sometimes confusing method of storytelling. The cinematic device does keep the story moving along, but at times it's hard to tell if Thatcher is talking to "ghost" Denis, or we're watching a flashback from her career.
In many ways, The Iron Lady is a love story. It's about one woman's love of politics, her husband and her country. As the title suggests, she remains aloof throughout her political and personal life and in the end she's left with only vague memories of her victories and defeats. A life this dedicated, this single-minded, isn't fertile ground for friendship and it proves to be her ultimate undoing.
The Iron Lady paints a portrait of one of the most engaging and enigmatic leaders of the modern era. It will leave you with admiration for her determination and sadness for her sacrifice.