The Lady in the Van (2015) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG-13 • 2015 • 1h 44m
The Lady in the Van tells the true story of Alan Bennett, a playwright who allows an eccentric, homeless woman named Miss Shepherd to park her van in his driveway for 15 years. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for a brief, graphic scene of a fatal road accident and some intermittent profanity. While generally a character-driven drama about unlikely friendship and mental health, younger viewers may find the depiction of poverty… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Lady in the Van appropriate for kids?
The Lady in the Van tells the true story of Alan Bennett, a playwright who allows an eccentric, homeless woman named Miss Shepherd to park her van in his driveway for 15 years. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for a brief, graphic scene of a fatal road accident and some… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Lady in the Van
What happens in The Lady in the Van, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Lady in the Van
The protagonist's sexuality is briefly and discreetly alluded to through casual one-night stands with men, which are implied rather than shown.
Violence and gore in The Lady in the Van
The film contains one brief but graphic scene of a fatal car accident involving a motorcycle, which includes visible injury detail and blood. Otherwise, violence is limited to minor scuffles and youth harassment.
Language in The Lady in the Van
There are approximately four uses of the 'f-word' and occasional, milder profanity such as 'shit' or deity-based expletives.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Lady in the Van
None of concern; the film does not feature or focus on drug or alcohol use.
Mature themes in The Lady in the Van
Major themes include homelessness, mental illness, the complexities of elder care, institutionalization, and the guilt associated with past trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lady in the Van appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Lady in the Van is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Lady in the Van tells the true story of Alan Bennett, a playwright who allows an eccentric, homeless woman named Miss Shepherd to park her van in his driveway for 15 years. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for a…
What age rating does The Lady in the Van have?
The Lady in the Van is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Lady in the Van about?
The Lady in the Van tells the true story of Alan Bennett, a playwright who allows an eccentric, homeless woman named Miss Shepherd to park her van in his driveway for 15 years. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for a brief, graphic scene of a fatal road accident and some intermittent profanity. While generally a…
Is there sex or nudity in The Lady in the Van?
The protagonist's sexuality is briefly and discreetly alluded to through casual one-night stands with men, which are implied rather than shown.
How violent is The Lady in the Van?
The film contains one brief but graphic scene of a fatal car accident involving a motorcycle, which includes visible injury detail and blood. Otherwise, violence is limited to minor scuffles and youth harassment.
Is the language in The Lady in the Van appropriate for kids?
There are approximately four uses of the 'f-word' and occasional, milder profanity such as 'shit' or deity-based expletives.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Lady in the Van?
None of concern; the film does not feature or focus on drug or alcohol use.
What mature themes appear in The Lady in the Van?
Major themes include homelessness, mental illness, the complexities of elder care, institutionalization, and the guilt associated with past trauma.
How long is The Lady in the Van?
The Lady in the Van runs 104 minutes, directed by Nicholas Hytner, released in 2015.
Where can I read the full The Lady in the Van parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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