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Poster for The Lady in the Van

The Lady in the Van

Seen it?

2015 | 104 min | Comedy, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 44 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

The true story of the relationship between Alan Bennett and the singular 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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Golden Globe and 1 BAFTA.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $41 million worldwide on a $6 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 111K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Nicholas Hytner

  • Maggie SmithMiss Shepherd
  • Alex JenningsAlan Bennett
  • Frances de la TourUrsula Vaughan Williams
  • Gwen TaylorMam
  • Dominic CooperTheatre Actor
  • James CordenStreet Trader
  • Roger AllamRufus
  • Samuel AndersonJehovah's Witness
  • Dermot CrowleyPriest
  • Jim BroadbentUnderwood