THE LADY IN THE VAN (Toronto International Film Festival Toronto Canada 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lady in the Van—sensational, unusually witty—becomes a little mini-classic set in a moment of time. It may not have a large epic storyline, but contains so much human-ness that it recommends itself from the get-go as a charismatic, worth-watching film. It’s clean, decently told and will serve the younger teen and adult audience well. It is so carefully crafted and moves so smoothly that it’s almost like Director Nicholas Hytner just sat back and watched the film move from one great scene to another. Kudos to the script writer and the book writer Alan Bennett for taking the time to document the true story of Margaret Shepherd.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mary Shepherd (Maggie Smith) takes residence on the curb of a British residential neighborhood in her van. She soon moves into the driveway of Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) who unwillingly allows her to stay. Mary ends staying there for 15 years.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nicholas Hytner for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Miles Ketley, Christine Langan, Charles Moore, and Ed Wethered for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith), Underwood (Jim Broadbent), Young Margaret Fairchild (Clare Hammond), Conductor (George Fenton), The British Symphony Orchestra (BBC Concert Orchestra), Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings), Estate Agent (Jamie Parker), Pauline (Deborah Findlay), and Rufus (Roger Allam).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is wonderfully written and completely involves the heart.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers