Arts & Entertainment
Portrait of a ‘Lady’
Streep reliably good in new Thatcher biopic
In her latest cinematic turn, “The Iron Lady,” screen legend and two-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep moves seamlessly into Number 10 Downing Street as iconic British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. From the opening scenes, she’s unrecognizable as a shaky, old Thatcher going out for milk — totally overlooked and unnoticed by former constituents.
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady.’ (Photo courtesy the Weinstein Company)
The scene serves as foreshadowing for the flashback-fueled biopic about one of history’s more formidable females and how her haunted mind recalls the monumental events of her past and her struggle to stay firmly rooted in the present. The film opens today (Friday) in Washington; Landmark — both E Street and Bethesda Row — has it.
A lengthy knowledge of British politics isn’t required to thoroughly enjoy the film, which stirs empathy and respect for the tough and determined Prime Minister, but it can’t hurt. In her declining years, Thatcher relives her marriage to her husband (delightfully portrayed by Jim Broadbent), ascent to major political success and numerous battles against her male counterparts in Parliament. The format of using flashbacks to create a fluid, if not completely chronological, biopic is a tricky one. However, it works here because as Thatcher’s physical and mental decline are apparent, it’s logical that dementia, or at least a deep longing for her illustrious past, would play a role in her aging.
Unlike 2011’s uneven biopic “J. Edgar,” which was also told in a flashback format, “The Iron Lady” gives the feeling of a well-rounded and human portrait of a controversial leader. Even if one disagrees with Thatcher’s policies, the film inspires respect for the determined woman, who rose from a working middle-class background to be the first female Prime Minister of Briton.” J. Edgar,” followed a more traditional flashback format of a retiring official dictating an autobiography filled with embellishments. Late in the film the audience learns of the half-truths and is left with more questions and skepticism rather than any form of insight.
But forget the format. Forget the director. It is Streep who is the film’s anchor, mast and sail. While some critics have bemoaned the storyline and structure, all agree Streep is mesmerizing. There are few actors who could legitimately be compared to Meryl Streep and her performance in “The Iron Lady” is a perfect representation of why. She vanishes into Thatcher’s mannerisms, speech and aura. She never appears to acting or in costume and make up. The transformation of she undergoes is truly unbelievable. Her recent portrayal of Julia Child displayed once again her trademark ability to master speech patterns and accents, which she also nails in this film.
While Thatcher’s persona and impact were larger than life, Streep exercises perfect restraint in bringing the Prime Minister’s greatest moments to the screen. She keeps her teeth far enough away from the scenery as not to turn Maggie into “Mommie Dearest” when tensions rise. Thatcher is known for her outspoken personality and Streep does an impeccable job of conveying that without sacrificing authenticity.
When the final credits roll, the audience is left not with an ideological or chronological picture of a politician, but the snapshots of the life of someone who believed wholeheartedly in what she said and did. “The Iron Lady” leaves one with a curiosity to know more about Margaret Thatcher but not because the film is incomplete but because its subject is masterfully portrayed and presented. Political subject matter almost always proves divisive, but not “The Iron Lady.” A jumble of understanding, empathy and respect is what is created in the wake of the Prime Minister — even if her political views are not in concert with those of audience members.
As the days before the 84th annual Academy Award nominations are announced dwindle, Street is assuredly guaranteed her 18th nomination. Whether she or Viola Davis, who starred in 2011’s massively successful film “The Help,” will take home the top prize remains to be seen. But after seeing both films, one is inclined to believe that Meryl’s mantle might become a bit more crowded by another golden incarnation of Thatcher in February.
Friday, June 26
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Oriole Park.
The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Pride Night Orioles jersey. The Washington Blade is a media sponsor of this event.
To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Books for Pride by various authors
c.2026, various publishers
$18.95 – $29.00
How many times have you marched so far this month? Seems like there’s always a reason to gather and walk during Pride, but save some time for yourself, too. You’ll want to reflect, rest, and read these great books about living your best Pride month.
No doubt, you’ve thought once or twice about stepping away from society as it is, and moving somewhere more accepting. So read “Qtopia: A Memoir of Love, Land, and Liberation” by Juda Bennett (University of Wisconsin Press, $18.95), the story of doing exactly that, and how it turned out.
Back in the ‘70s, Bennett fled the suburbs and all it represented, and went “back to the land,” to a commune named Lavender Hill. Some of the places he’d lived before then had promised way more than they delivered, but Lavender Hill was different – more rural, more open, more queer, much better. But you know all good things must end, and that includes “queer utopia.” The only thing left was to re-enter the mainstream, a journey unto itself, and one worth reading.
Speaking of memoirs, in “Gay Mormon Dad” by Chad Anderson, art by Remy Burke (Graphic Mundi, $21.99), you’ll read about Anderson’s life as a husband (to a woman), a father, and a man who seemingly had it all but it wasn’t right, and he wasn’t happy. He was gay, but acknowledging it, telling his family and his church family, could mean the loss of everything he loved. It’s a story that may be familiar to you, in some way, and it’s a quick read.
For most of his life, Joseph Osmundson dreamed about getting pregnant and having a family. The former didn’t happen and, as for the latter, as he writes in his memoir, “Spawning Season: An Experiment in Queer Parenthood” (Bloomsbury, $27.99) the journey for a gay man to become a father can have plenty of roadblocks.
When two women approach Osmundson to be a sperm donor, it appears that his ultimate dreams are about to come true. Things go swimmingly – until race enters the conversation. Are the words “donor” and “dad” the same? Read this powerful book, and think about it.
And finally, if parenthood as a gay person is something that’s a case of maybe-later, then “Good Morning Moon: A Snapshot of an American Family” by Brad Gooch (Harper, $29) is a book to find. It’s the story of late-life love, surrogacy, and identity as Gooch learns about himself as he learns to be a good Dad. This is a great book for older fathers, and anyone who’s on the parental fence, later in life.
If these great books aren’t enough for you, or if you’re looking for something different for Pride, then head to your favorite bookstore or library and ask the staff there to help you find your next best read. They’ve got a lot of books to put in your hands, a lot of sunny afternoons full of relaxing and promise, so march on out, get a new book, and happy Pride!
Calendar: June 26-July 2
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