Netflix is removing Maggie Smith’s “wonderful” British drama very soon

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Netflix is taking down the British drama The Lady in the Van, a highly-rated film featuring Maggie Smith. Released in 2015, the movie tells the story of Miss Shepherd, a woman experiencing homelessness who lives in the driveway of writer Alan Bennett.

The film is based on Alan Bennett’s autobiography and features Alex Jennings playing Bennett himself. The cast also includes well-known actors like Jim Broadbent, Claire Foy, Roger Allam, Dominic Cooper, and Frances de la Tour.

Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the film tells the story of playwright Alan, who strikes up an unlikely and heartwarming friendship with Miss Shepherd, a delightfully cantankerous woman living in her van after he offers her space in his driveway.

I was so excited when The Lady in the Van showed up on Netflix back in June 2025, but unfortunately, it’s leaving on May 31st! I need to watch it again before it’s gone!

The film has been very well-received by critics, earning an 89% ‘Certified Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 151 reviews. Many critics have specifically highlighted the strong performance by Smith.

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Okay, so the Austin Chronicle totally nailed it – Maggie Smith is just incredible in this movie. She really steals the show, honestly. She’s always amazing, but this role? Next level.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the film showcases Maggie Smith’s incredible range as an actress. She’s captivating whether she’s delivering a powerful performance or conveying emotion with subtle stillness and a flawless facial expression.

According to The Dallas Morning News, the main reason to see this movie is an unusual performance by Smith, who plays an elderly woman who surprisingly receives assistance by initially refusing it.

The film was well-received by audiences and currently has a user rating of 6.7 out of 10 on IMDb.

One viewer described the film as unforgettable, calling it a touching story about a reserved, emotionally distant man and a troubled woman living on the streets.

One viewer called the film a charming and fascinating true story about a unique woman. They especially enjoyed the connection between Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings on screen.

As a huge fan, I have to say Maggie Smith is absolutely incredible in this film – she deserves some award recognition! It would have been so easy for her character to come across as irritating or a simple stereotype, but Maggie Smith plays her with such a brilliant mix of humor and endearing quirkiness, while also showing a really touching vulnerability. She completely elevates the role.

The Lady in the Van is available to stream on Netflix until 31 May.

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2026-05-19 02:49