The Lady in the Van

Parental Rating: PG-13

Contains: Language    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens February 5, 2015

Runs 104 minutes

Maggie Smith plays Miss Shepherd, a transient woman who lives in her van. She moves her van around the streets, living in front of people's homes and wearing on their good graces. Eventually, she lands in the driveway of Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) and she ends up staying for 15 years. They form a bond of sorts as he gradually learns her story and begins to write his own story about her. This is the true tale of a strange, old woman with quite a history and the reluctant friendship she forms with the man who lets her park in his driveway.

This is based on a true story that begins around 1970. Things were simpler then. Miss Shepherd was able to just move her van around and neighborhood families would help her out (even though she was pretty unfriendly). Today, I think she would just be towed away. Maggie Smith is fantastic as the old woman. She is grime covered and wearing tattered clothes throughout the film. And, she is mostly filmed in and around the van. But, when she speaks of her true passions, her face shines and you can see how much she lost in her life. Not to mention that she might also be a wanted criminal. Overall, fine acting and an interesting story. A little slow but worth a look. Go see it.

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