Listen, I’ll be the first to admit, on paper, "Lady In The Van" is not my bag. It looks like the kind of movie I’d recommend to my Mom, which is fine, she’d probably enjoy it more than I would. That being said, it is playing the Toronto International Film Festival and does have some pedigree behind it, so maybe it’ll be a little surprise. I’m willing to keep an open mind.
READ MORE: Review: ‘My Old Lady’ Starring Kevin Kline And Maggie Smith
Anyway, the film stars Maggie Smith in the unlikely true story that happened to writer Alan Bennett (who penned the screenplay based on his own memoir) about a woman who parked her camper van in his driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years. Here’s the official synopsis:
Based on the true story of Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who "temporarily" parked her van in writer Alan 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. Filmed on the street and in the house where Bennett and Miss Shepherd lived all those years, acclaimed director Nicholas Hytner reunites with iconic writer Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George, The History Boys) to bring this rare and touching portrait to the screen. Starring Maggie Smith, Dominic Cooper and James Corden.
Nicholas Hytner ("The History Boys") directs, and the film will open in the U.K. on November 13th. No U.S. date has been set just yet.
