Taking a chance on a stranger has its risks and rewards, but nothing compares to the unexpected bond that forms between a playwright and a transient woman in the film The Lady in the Van.
The 2015 British comedy-drama tells the true story of Mary Shepherd, an elderly woman who lives in a dilapidated van in London, England for 15 years.
Shepherd, who is played by actress Maggie Smith, is an ornery and impolite woman who claims to take advice from the Virgin Mary. She also smells bad.
Despite his private nature, Alan Bennett takes pity on Shepherd and says she can stay in his driveway for three months.
As time passes, Bennett becomes more and more curious about who Shepherd is and where she found the van. For Bennett, the woman seems to have led a life much more interesting than his.
As months turn into years, the bond between the two characters grows into a playful and relentlessly funny storyline.
To catch the film, head over to the Chaba Theatre on April 14th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.
This is the last film of the season for the Jasper Film Club.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
