New Yorker Mathias (Kevin Kline) travels to Paris to sell a grand old apartment he has inherited from his estranged father. But he is stunned to find a refined old lady, Mathilde (Maggie Smith), still living in the apartment with her very protective daughter Chloé (Kristin Scott Thomas).
He soon learns that under ancient French law known as viager, he will not gain possession of the property until Mathilde dies and must make monthly repayments to her until such time. A hard-up writer with no other assets to his name and no money for a return fare to New York, Mathias realises with bitterness that he has in fact inherited a debt. Much to the dismay of Chloé, the spirited 92-year old Mathilde offers Mathias lodgings in the apartment until he works out what to do.
Unravelling in twists and turns, long-held secrets are soon revealed and hostility turns to affection as the three characters open up to reveal their scars and discover a shared history. My Old Lady is a charming and sophisticated drama with a smart and funny script from Horovitz and captivating performances from its three expert leads.
MY OLD LADY is in cinemas nationwide from 13th November.
