The heartwarming film The Lady in the Van, featuring the late Maggie Smith, will no longer be available on Netflix after this weekend. It’s leaving the streaming service on Sunday, May 31st, so if you want to watch it, you only have a few days left!
This movie, set in the 1970s, tells the true story of playwright Alan Bennett (played by Jennings). He befriended a lively but difficult homeless woman (played by Smith) and allowed her to live in a van parked on his property.
The film also features a stellar cast, including Jim Broadbent, Roger Allam, Frances de la Tour, Deborah Findlay, Gwen Taylor, Claire Foy, Marion Bailey, Nicholas Burns, and David Calder.
Released in 2015 and directed by Nicholas Hytner, with a screenplay by Bennett, The Lady in the Van was well-received by both critics and audiences. It currently holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 151 reviews.
Both Little White Lies and The Guardian praised the film. Little White Lies described it as a gentle but enchanting adaptation, and The Guardian highlighted Smith’s excellent performance, noting it had been refined from earlier stage and radio productions.
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According to Empire Magazine, Hytner’s film is a charming and touching comedy about the relationship between an author and his unusual tenant. Time Out described it as feeling like enjoying a cozy, warm crumpet by the fire on a cold winter day.
The New York Post also highly praised the performance, noting that the actress brilliantly brought her stage portrayal of Miss Shepherd – a quirky and determined former nun from Alan Bennett’s autobiographical play – to the screen.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie is powered by Will Smith’s quirky older character, and the 80-year-old actress delivers a fantastic performance, fully embracing the humor in her character’s unusual traits.
If you’re interested in seeing more of Smith’s work, her period drama A Room with a View is available to stream on Channel 4. You can also find The Miracle Club, which was her last film, on BBC iPlayer.
The Lady in the Van is leaving Netflix on Sunday 31 May.
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2026-05-30 00:19