I have not seen the play of this film that so many say is the better version. What I can say is that this film drew me in. The visual cantankerous nature of Miss Shepherd played so very well by Maggie Smith and the quiet anger but concern of Alan Bennett's Character is great. I could write more but I wont. Safe to say you wont be disappointed. Just sit down with a loved one or not, hot chocolate and biscuits at hand and let it flow over you.