The Lady in the Van
Set in 1973 London, this film tells the true story about playwright Alan Bennett as he forms an unexpected bond with a transient woman named Miss Shepherd who lives in a van in his driveway for the next 15 years.
14 August 1979, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, England, UK
19 February 1939, Derby, England, UK
26 October 1953, London, England, UK
3 December 1933, Marylebone, London, England, UK
30 November 1979, London, England, UK
8 June 1957, Hampstead, London, England, UK
January 10, 2017
The Lady in the Van might be preaching, one guesses, about behaving kindly and without judgment toward strangers. The highs and lows that shape it, however, feel unearned.
December 12, 2016
It may be more anecdotal than epic, but Lady in the Van should be welcomed for giving Smith an opportunity to add another memorable character to an already substantial portfolio.
February 04, 2016
You leave "Lady in the Van" entertained but troubled; it's an agreeably but oddly off-balance film, juggling and nearly dropping the star turn at its center.
November 15, 2016
It's guided by a masterful performer with the unwavering support of a spot-on cast that, like those in the best of Bennett's plays, are all on the same page.
February 04, 2016
Smith's performance as the bizarre old lady, who manages to get help by rejecting it, is the reason to watch this film.
February 05, 2016
There's an elegiac, sentimental quality to this film adaptation, from the manipulative meet-cute of Alan and Miss Shepherd through their disputations.
February 03, 2016
"The Lady in the Van" doesn't pretend to be anything more than a pleasant diversion. And on that level, it succeeds.
February 04, 2016
The joy of the film comes in watching Smith work her magic.
December 30, 2016
The film is funny in a light, wispy sort of way that never cuts as deep as it should.
August 02, 2016
The Lady in the Van follows a fairly typical old-people-are-more-than-they-seem storyline ... The bizarreness of this true story is underplayed.
February 12, 2016
Jennings' portrayal isn't as flashy as Smith's - the things she can do with just a glance - but the balance they achieve is absolutely glorious.
December 07, 2016
Smith is splendid here -- her whole demeanor is testament to the resilience and toughness of a woman determined to survive, be it through old age or nuclear disaster.
