Adapted from the memoirs of literary critic John Bayley, the film recounts his courtship of and long marriage to British novelist Iris Murdoch. The scenario tacks back and forth from the young Iris--ready to seduce one and all with her coy command of words and sex appeal--to the elder Iris--slowly giving way to the cruel erasure of Alzheimer's.

Based on the books Iris : a memoir and elegy for Iris and Iris and her friends : a memoir of memory and desire by John Bayley. Special features: a look at "Iris"; a special message from David Hyde Pierce; Alzheimer's Association honors "Iris" and Jim Broadbent.