One of the best films of 2001, In the Bedroom is an understated but ultimately shattering film that haunts the viewer for weeks afterward. The Fowlers - husband Matt (Wilkinson) and wife Ruth (Spacek) - are the epitome of a contented middle-class couple, with a son Frank (Stahl) who is a talented student about to study architecture at college.
The only blot on the horizon is Frank's involvement with Natalie (Tomei), a single mother whose marriage recently ended. While Matt and Ruth take pains to welcome her into the family, they are uneasy with the match, fearing she will distract Frank from the life they want him to have. More menacing is the constant presence of Natalie's ex-husband, who won't accept their split.
When tragedy strikes, the film shifts abruptly from being a story about a small town and its inhabitants to a wrenchingly honest portrayal of grief. There seems to be no comfort anywhere: it appears justice will not be done, and even revenge does not bring relief. The performances are excellent, the cinematography faultless and soundtrack haunting. Despite not depicting any violence onscreen or using any special effects, it's an incredibly powerful film.

Based on John Bailey's books "Elegy for Iris" and "Iris and Her Friends", Iris traces the descent of the novelist Iris Murdoch (played by the consistently magnificent Dench) into Alzheimer's and the effect this has on her frustrated yet devoted husband, John Bailey (Broadbent). The film works using flashback sequences from the old Iris and Bailey to the young Iris (Winslet) and Bailey (Bonneville) in their teaching days at Oxford. The two meet, and after some skinny-dipping, casual sex and numerous affairs in which Iris alternates between tormenting and enticing Bailey, she decides to marry him. Cut to the degenerating Iris following Bailey around like a confused toddler and Bailey struggling to care for someone who can no longer think for herself. Iris tugs at the heartstrings a bit, and when the words of the younger Iris, 'If one doesn't have words, how does one think?' cuts to the old Iris, struggling to find words to express herself, we're reminded of what a wonderful mind is slipping away.
Iris is very sensitive, intelligent and thoughtfully acted. This film is not an easy watch, but a definite must if you want to see a story that is beautifully told, wonderfully acted and contains Kate Winslet's mandatory flashing.