Harriet Walter’s Bold Take on Margaret Thatcher and the Evolution of “Horrible Women” on Screen

Harriet Walter, known for embodying some of television and film’s most strikingly “unlikeable” women, is at it again—this time portraying Margaret Thatcher in Channel 4’s new docudrama, Brian and Maggie. With an extensive career spanning over four decades, Walter has mastered the art of breathing humanity into complex characters. From the manipulative Lady Caroline in Succession to the detached mother in Ted Lasso and the ruthless Dasha in Killing Eve, she has repeatedly proven her ability to add depth to otherwise unsympathetic figures.

Speaking about her tendency to play challenging roles, Walter jokes, “People always say I play horrible women!” It’s not far from the truth, but for her, the intrigue lies in exploring their complexity. Her latest portrayal as Thatcher—one of Britain’s most divisive political figures—promises the same level of nuance. The two-part docudrama, written by James Graham and directed by Stephen Frears, dramatizes Thatcher’s infamous 1989 interview with journalist Brian Walden. This conversation, aired amidst political chaos, marked the beginning of her decline in power. Walter’s performance doesn’t rely on caricature but instead offers a layered depiction, capturing not only Thatcher’s ironclad resolve but also the vulnerability simmering beneath the surface.

Reflecting on her preparation for the role, Walter shared how she immersed herself in hours of Thatcher’s speeches and public appearances to perfect her voice and demeanor. “I didn’t want to mimic her or make her into a hate figure,” she explains. Instead, Walter aimed to humanize the controversial leader without excusing her actions. It’s this balance that sets her apart, allowing her to portray Thatcher as a fully-rounded person rather than a simplistic symbol of divisiveness.

Walter’s real-life persona offers a stark contrast to the icy characters she’s known for. In conversation, she comes across as warm, introspective, and deeply principled. A self-described “humanitarian egalitarian,” she openly advocates for progressive causes, including higher taxes to fund public services and greater equality in society. Despite her political beliefs clashing with Thatcher’s, she respects the determination of a woman who broke barriers in a male-dominated world. “Thatcher would have no time for me,” Walter admits, laughing. “I epitomize everything she was against!”

Beyond Brian and Maggie, Walter’s career reflects her love for challenging, meaningful roles. While she has gained significant recognition in recent years with shows like Succession and Killing Eve, her roots lie in theatre, particularly Shakespeare. Later this year, she returns to the stage in As You Like It and continues to champion better representation of women in storytelling. Despite progress, Walter believes that the “roots of misogyny” remain embedded in the stories we tell. “There’s been a shift in the topsoil,” she says, “but those deep roots are still there.”

In her own way, Walter is helping to uproot those biases. Her portrayals of “horrible women” challenge audiences to see beyond stereotypes, revealing the complexities and humanity within. Whether it’s Thatcher’s steely determination or Caroline Collingwood’s cold detachment, Walter ensures that these characters are more than what meets the eye. Brian and Maggie, much like Walter’s career, isn’t just about revisiting history—it’s about redefining how we see the women who shape it.

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