Review of The Lady in the Van (2015) by Tvjerry — 22 Feb 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’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.