This solid offering from director Nicholas Hytner is emotional and features fantastic performances, but it doesn’t overwhelm.
The Lady in the Van is based on the true story of Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who “temporarily” parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years. What begins as a begrudged favour becomes a relationship that will change both their lives.
At 104 minutes this tale could’ve been at least 15 minutes shorter, there was a little too much fat in the film. Some scenes were rather repetitive and while this demonstrated the repetitive routine of the characters, it didn’t overly enhance the story.
The performances of Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings were superb. They really brought these characters to life and watching their development over the course of the film was magical. These superb actors are really the main selling point of the film.
Overall a solid film, with superb performances, but there are better things at the box office this time of year.
3.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas
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