Maggie Smith and Roger Allam’s heartwarming The Lady in the Van just arrived on Netflix

The movie narrates a mostly authentic tale about a character named Bennett who shifts into a home in north London, leading to an elderly lady called Mary Shepherd residing in a van parked on his driveway for an astonishing 15-year period.

Over time, Bennett grows increasingly concerned with Shepherd’s life story, discovering not only its intriguing and sorrowful aspects but also its comical ones – like when Shepherd mistakenly takes Bennett’s romantic partners for communists.

With a relatively small budget of just $6 million, the movie ended up performing exceptionally well financially, earning a total of $41.4 million at the box office.

The movie received exceptionally favorable reviews, contributing to a 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

As a cinephile delving into the cinematic landscape, let me assure you that “Beyond Smith and Jennings” boasts an impressive ensemble of Britain’s finest thespians. The likes of Jim Broadbent, Claire Foy, Roger Allam, and Frances de la Tour grace the screen, each bringing their unique flair to the storyline. A veritable feast for the eyes, this star-studded cast promises a captivating viewing experience.

In the years leading up to her passing in 2024, Smith had taken on one of her last significant film roles. Notably, she had portrayed Shepherd in a stage adaption of the story back in 1999, for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the 2000 Olivier Awards. Additionally, she reprised this role in a radio adaptation in 2009.

Besides playing Shepherd, another well-known role she took on recently was that of the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. The forthcoming Downton movie is expected to honor the late icon with a significant tribute.

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Apart from her role as Shepherd, she gained considerable fame for portraying Dowager Countess Violet Crawley on Downton Abbey, and the upcoming Downton film will reportedly pay homage to the deceased icon through a poignant tribute.