The Lady in the Van
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 4, 2015
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 56 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
37
Mixed:
14
Negative:
5
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7
TVJerryFeb 22, 2016
Maggie Smith plays an unusual/mysterious woman who parks her van in a playwright’s London driveway for 15 years (based on true events). Their relationship develops during that period, but the film is really about Smith’s performance. She’sMaggie Smith plays an unusual/mysterious woman who parks her van in a playwright’s London driveway for 15 years (based on true events). Their relationship develops during that period, but the film is really about Smith’s performance. She’s not doing anything new here, just her usually spunky, prickly style, but she also manages a few moments of sweet vulnerability. There’s not really much plot, but depth is added thru flashbacks to events that formed her present state. Smith fans will not be disappointed, even though she’s much more crusty than stately in this role.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
BikerjamesFeb 29, 2016
This film succeeds due to the acting chops of Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings. It probably wasn't easy to make a two hour film about a cantankerous lady who lives in a van in your driveway, but the writing and the background of "Mary" orThis film succeeds due to the acting chops of Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings. It probably wasn't easy to make a two hour film about a cantankerous lady who lives in a van in your driveway, but the writing and the background of "Mary" or "Margaret" keeps things interesting, and there is a surprising amount of humor.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
NerdConsultantDec 15, 2015
the Lady In the Van is some of Alan Bennett's best writing accompanied by excellent performances from Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings. the story is both uplifting and insightful and it had some moments that really made me laugh. i also lovedthe Lady In the Van is some of Alan Bennett's best writing accompanied by excellent performances from Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings. the story is both uplifting and insightful and it had some moments that really made me laugh. i also loved the authenticity of shooting the film in the actual location the true story took place in. I loved it and would highly recommend it… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
royphishoohMar 19, 2016
Superb film with outstanding writing and performances, especially from Maggie Smith. A very English film which the majority of Americans would probably struggle to understand as it doesn't feature any guns, terrorists or drug dealers.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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4
Brent_MarchantJan 23, 2016
Were it not for the performance of Maggie Smith and a resurgent second hour, this film would have been otherwise forgettable. The picture's excessively tedious opening 45 minutes, coupled with an overwritten, gimmicky narrative and anWere it not for the performance of Maggie Smith and a resurgent second hour, this film would have been otherwise forgettable. The picture's excessively tedious opening 45 minutes, coupled with an overwritten, gimmicky narrative and an unfocused script that overemphasizes certain elements while slighting others, make it painful to endure, trying the patience of even the most stalwart moviegoer. Wait for this one to come to cable.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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4
GreatMartinJan 23, 2016
“The Lady in the Van” stars Maggie Smith in a trifle English story that has one of the longest drawn out endings I can recall in a long time and the movie is only 103 minutes! She plays a curmudgeon recreating the role she performed on stage“The Lady in the Van” stars Maggie Smith in a trifle English story that has one of the longest drawn out endings I can recall in a long time and the movie is only 103 minutes! She plays a curmudgeon recreating the role she performed on stage written by Alan Bennett who also wrote this screenplay.

The story is of an old woman who lives in a van, parking the vehicle in the driveway of the author. Alex Jennings plays the author and his alter ego who fight over art versus life which presents a distraction throughout the film.

The film opens with a loud crash on a black screen and then seeing the window of the van cracked and bloody. Little by little we find out who this homeless, aimless lady was and what brought her to this point in her life. We, also, find out about the crash which really adds nothing to the story but does add to the running time as does a piano concert scene.

The supporting players are all excellent English actors who add a touch of class including Jim Broadbent, Frances De La Tour, Deborah Findlay, James Corden and Roger Allam.

“The Lady in the Van” certainly must have been better in the theatre and this film is only for truly devoted Maggie Smith fans.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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3
foxgroveDec 4, 2015
‘When I write about this it will be about a lot of s***’, states Alex Jennings as playwright Alan Bennett during a particularly insightful moment in this dull adaptation of Bennett’s own play. Whilst I wouldn’t have particularly chosen to use‘When I write about this it will be about a lot of s***’, states Alex Jennings as playwright Alan Bennett during a particularly insightful moment in this dull adaptation of Bennett’s own play. Whilst I wouldn’t have particularly chosen to use the phrase myself, its inclusion is pertinently apt given the film’s surprising failure. As the saying goes if the cap, or in this instance the bag fits, wear it! Based on true events it lacks both drama and laughs. Maggie Smith can do this kind of role in her sleep. She is a wonderful actress and a great British institution, but there is nothing new in her characterisation here that she hasn’t done many times before. Alex Jennings actually gives the best performance, well two actually, in a dual role that sees him uncannily impersonating Bennett as both the person and the writer. Only in the film’s final act does an element of pathos creep in to stir the interest, but it’s far too late in the day to stave off one’s overall disappointment and apathy.… Expand
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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6
smiyamotApr 22, 2016
Some English movies are off beat but this one was "out there." Why would you let a total stranger, who does not have a nice personality, park their beat up van in your driveway and live there? Guess the English have a different moralSome English movies are off beat but this one was "out there." Why would you let a total stranger, who does not have a nice personality, park their beat up van in your driveway and live there? Guess the English have a different moral compass concerning the homeless than we do.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
CharlotteGalMar 19, 2016
The Lady In The Van is really bad... had it not that I was watching it with a friend I may cut my losses and walked out. Really, this one should have gone straight to video...
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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2
GardenPartyMar 20, 2016
As a lifelong Anglican Bennett should be ashamed to write such nasty claptrap about an elderly Catholic women; he makes Catholicism a center concern of his writing, and he roundly, and unfairly, criticizes it. If it had been a white personAs a lifelong Anglican Bennett should be ashamed to write such nasty claptrap about an elderly Catholic women; he makes Catholicism a center concern of his writing, and he roundly, and unfairly, criticizes it. If it had been a white person writing about a black character, there would have been a protest. But, since it is British, and it is only a Catholic, it jolly well funny. What is so sad is that the premise and the writing are good, the religiious bigotry is aweful. I am no great defender of The Church, but with the history of the Church of England, the writer should have known better. He is just another London bigot.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
LeZeeMay 4, 2016
According to her guidance, this is where it should go!

Her legend continues. I was talking about Maggie Smith, she's 82 years old and still her performances can compete with younger generation actors. The story was narrated from someone'sAccording to her guidance, this is where it should go!

Her legend continues. I was talking about Maggie Smith, she's 82 years old and still her performances can compete with younger generation actors. The story was narrated from someone's perspective about the role she played, that's why it's little weakened, otherwise if she was in solo, it would have been an Oscar worthy. Incidentally, that someone was an actual writer, so the film ended up portraying her very well, beside himself.

Inspired by the real story of an old lady who lived in a van for the 15 years during the 70s in the London's residential driveways. This film tells the mystery behind the state of her condition and actions. Actually, I expected it to be like 'Little Miss Sunshine', a road film, but after learning it was a biopic I am impressed with the overall movie.

An heartfully enjoyable comedy-drama with a small suspense in the plot. In fact, the whole film developed pretty well because of the opening event that hidden from us to reveal at the conclusion. It was a bit of fantasy as well, especially the end was too much of it.

On the Mary Shepard character, it reminded me Mrs. Julia Wicket from the Mr. Bean's animated series. Similar kind of attitude like don't care about others, especially when everyone around her showing some kind of respect and care, she was more a sceptical for us. The film was shot in the real locations. That was an advantage for filmmaking, and for us to witness from very close to the original.

8/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Pablo6120Sep 29, 2016
“The Lady in the Van”
Writer Alan Bennet (who also starred in) tells the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman, who wandered London in her run-down van for years. She eventually cons Alan Jennings (Bennett) into“The Lady in the Van”
Writer Alan Bennet (who also starred in) tells the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman, who wandered London in her run-down van for years. She eventually cons Alan Jennings (Bennett) into allowing her to park the van in his driveway “temporarily”, to avoid disagreements with local residents and the constable. She ends up staying for fifteen years and develops a strained relationship with him.
In this veddy, veddy British comedy-drama, Miss Mary (Maggie Smith) is eventually revealed to us as the former Margaret Fairchild, a gifted young classical pianist, who gives up her promising musical career for entry into the convent. After being institutionalized by her brother, Mary/Margaret escapes, only to be involved in a vehicle accident in which a young motorcyclist is killed. She wrongly blames herself for the man’s death.
Director Nicholas Hytner (“The Crucible”, “The Madness of King George”) provides a critically acclaimed film, although its pacing may seem to lag to some of its viewers. Dame Maggie Smith gives a wonderful performance, furthering her status as one of our most respected and beloved actresses.
If you are in the mood for a quirky, quietly determined film, check The Lady in the Van out.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
avr50Jul 5, 2017
Maggie Smith and her charm and wonderful performance are the reasons to see this funny film. She takes the movie to a new level and makes it as grand as it is
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
EpicLadySpongeApr 29, 2016
The Lady in the Van is a perfect example of how to end 2015 with an limited released movie. This will be quite amazing to see this Lady in the Van making us watch it again a second time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
horrorliefhebApr 18, 2016
-The Lady in the Van is a 2015 British comedy-drama film directed by Nicholas Hytner, written by Alan Bennett, and starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings. It tells the true story of Mary Shepherd, an elderly woman who lived in a dilapidated-The Lady in the Van is a 2015 British comedy-drama film directed by Nicholas Hytner, written by Alan Bennett, and starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings. It tells the true story of Mary Shepherd, an elderly woman who lived in a dilapidated van on Bennett's driveway in London for 15 years. Smith previously portrayed Shepherd twice: in the original 1999 theatrical production, which earned her a Best Actress nomination at the 2000 Olivier Awards; and in the 2009 BBC Radio 4 adaptation.

-Hytner directed the original stage production at the Queen's Theatre in London, while Bennett adapted the screenplay from his 1999 West End play of the same name, which was nominated at the 2000 Olivier Awards for Play of the Year. The film was shown in the Special Presentations section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

--Critical reception:

-The Lady in the Van received positive reviews, with particular praise being aimed at Smith's acting. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a rating of 93%, based on 120 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10. The site's consensus states, "Led by a marvelous performance from Maggie Smith, Lady in the Van wrings poignant, often hilarious insight from its fact-based source material." On Metacritic the film holds a score of 70 out of 100, based on 30 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

"Maggie Smith delivers a compelling performance in The Lady in the Van, as Alan Bennett’s play comes to the big screen 15 years after it premiered at the National Theatre."

— Kate Muir, of The Times, following the worldwide premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

"It’s all good fun, it’s just a shame about the attempts to impose drama on what is essentially a comic character study."

— Kaleem Aftab, of The Independent, speaking of The Lady in the Van.

-Jess Hassenger, of AV Club, gave a "rotten" review, stating that "by design", The Lady in the Van is "flawed" because the film is "supposed to be revealing Bennett, not Shepherd"; a fact that many "will be reminded of before the film’s end". Smith's character is very "commanding" on screen, while Jennings "honorably tend(s) to his character’s quiet, semi-closeted homosexuality". No "matter how many meaningful considerations of mortality" are thrown his way; through the screenplay, Jennings "doesn't have a chance" against Smith. On the contrary, Slant Magazine's Elise Nakhnikian said the film is all about the "fastidious, somewhat timid, and reclusive playwright Alan Bennett", and stated the film's "annoying glibness is neatly summarized" by the line: "In life, going downhill is an uphill job".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
alejandro970Feb 17, 2019
An unusual but inspiring real life story about a writer and her uncommon neighbour: a homeless lady who changed the life of everyone who met. Mixed elements of comedy and drama, and an inspiring final act.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
steveymeAug 14, 2019
The acting is great, but there is something slightly irritating about its overly sentimental depictment of London and inhabitants. Worth a watch though.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a slow moving (plot wise) comedy drama film, with themes including social etiquette, faux pas and acceptance. The characters are quite quirky, with Margaret being very stand-off-ish, quite snappy yet surprisingly quick witted as well. The dialogue is quite clever and I enjoyed watching and, more to the point, listening to the conversations between Alan Bennett, Margaret and others. Frankly, to me it seemed like a bit of a mad cap story, one which is unlikely to have happened in real life, although I acknowledge that, at the start of the film, its stated that its (if but 'very loosely') based on a true story. I thought it was quite touching, the friendship that Alan and Margaret slowly make. There is a lot of intellectual or otherwise high brow conversation featured and I'd say that if your not keen on films which focus mainly on character development and which are, thus, dialogue heavy then this won't be for you. There is a fair amount of comedy present but its not of a physical, slapstick style for the most part - its more a case of clash of the sharp tongues.

Cast wise, Maggie Smith plays Margaret (aka Miss Shepherd), someone who is stubborn, strong willed and vocally rather sharp. She's a bit of a firecracker, you could say. Alan Bennett is played by Alex Jennings, who I felt gave a decent performance as a bit of an introvert, a kind but quiet and ever so slightly awkward yet pleasantly polite and slightly bumbling man next door type I suppose. I particularly enjoyed the conversations between these two characters. Other cast members include Jim Broadbent as Underwood and Deborah Findlay as Pauline.

As far as the use of music is concerned, there are some quite jaunty, fairly jovial sounding orchestral pieces played during certain scenes, although I don't remember any specific tracks I could list as such. I found the film to be amusing and quite clever, fairly entertaining in general although perhaps a little slow plot pace wise but otherwise I have no real complaints about this film at all.

Content wise, there's little likely to offend. It contains a few profanities, one instance of violence and a sex reference but nothing very graphic or explicit, hence the 12 rating its been given. I was almost surprised it wasn't given a PG rating but I suppose thats due to the few 'f'-words present (enough said).

I'd recommend this film, as I felt it was quite a pleasant watch. It is quite amusing in parts, with some witty dialogue and the characters are well portrayed by the cast but it is perhaps a little slow, plot pace wise, maybe. Its quite good, rather quirky and as thus worth a watch, in my view.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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