The Lady in the Van (2015)

Bradshaw finds the film very enjoyable and poignant. He singles out Maggie Smith’s terrifically good performance as Miss Shepherd for praise.

The review finds the film a cosy, comic success. It particularly praises Maggie Smith’s performance.

Sexton considers the film the definitive version of Bennett’s story, despite an indulgent final scene. He singles out Maggie Smith’s glorious performance as its chief strength.

Keegan finds the film a sharp, charming comedy whose stage-to-screen translation occasionally feels unnatural. She especially praises Maggie Smith’s layered portrayal of Miss Shepherd and her contradictory qualities.

Nathan finds the film a fine, moving comedy that gradually deepens into an exploration of human bonds. He particularly praises Maggie Smith’s comic yet perceptive portrayal, which gives Miss Shepherd emotional depth.

The review presents the film as an appealing comedy about human connection. It singles out Maggie Smith as ideal in the central role.

Lodge finds the adaptation slight but amiable, with a misjudged whimsical ending. He praises Maggie Smith’s gusty, irascible performance as the chief draw.

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The critic finds the adaptation mild but quietly magical, praising its sharp observations and intimate portrayal of the relationship. Maggie Smith’s layered performance stands out, while the subplots are called slight distractions.

Hassenger finds the film competent but dull, with its themes overexplained and its ending unearned. He praises Maggie Smith’s commanding performance, which outshines Alex Jennings.

Nakhnikian finds the film emotionally distant and annoyingly glib rather than insightful. She praises Maggie Smith’s poised performance, while criticizing the screenplay’s self-conscious voiceover and toothless dialogue.

The critic finds the film maudlin and ultimately diminishing rather than genuinely affecting. They fault its whimsy for flattening Margaret’s complex life and reducing two superb actors to cuteness.

Edelstein finds the film a tedious, twee distortion of Bennett’s diaries and ultimately a disappointment. He singles out Maggie Smith’s performance, especially a scene where Miss Shepherd watches a young woman play piano, as a glimpse of the character’s tragedy.

Fae finds the film more than its twee, mannered comedy suggests, though its theatrical origins remain evident. She particularly praises Maggie Smith’s performance, which conceals the character’s personal tragedy until near the end.

The critic finds the film condescending and overly sweet, with Alan Bennett taking too much of the story’s focus. Maggie Smith’s sharp, accomplished performance is the film’s saving grace, though it cannot fully overcome those flaws.