Tangerine Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

It’s like a real-life Grand Theft Auto, but with more heart and less car theft… mostly.

🍿 Tangerine: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Sin-Dee’s Discovery and Quest

The film opens on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles where Sin-Dee Rella, a transgender sex worker, is released from a 28-day jail sentence. She meets her friend Alexandra, also a transgender sex worker, who inadvertently reveals that Sin-Dee’s boyfriend and pimp, Chester, has been cheating on her while she was incarcerated. This sets Sin-Dee off on a frantic mission to find Chester and the cisgender woman he was with.

Alexandra’s Performance and Razmik’s Secret

While Sin-Dee is on her quest, Alexandra focuses on promoting her singing performance scheduled for that evening. Meanwhile, Razmik, an Armenian cab driver, struggles with his secret attraction to transgender women while trying to maintain his family life. His storyline intersects with the main plot as he seeks out Alexandra for sexual gratification.

Confrontation at Donut Time

Sin-Dee eventually finds Chester and the woman, Dinah, leading to a chaotic confrontation at a local donut shop. The situation escalates with the arrival of Razmik’s suspicious mother-in-law and eventually his wife, exposing his secret to his family and the public. The confrontation reveals deeper betrayals and complexities within the characters’ relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez): A recently released transgender sex worker who is on a mission to find her cheating boyfriend on Christmas Eve.
• Alexandra (Mya Taylor): Sin-Dee’s best friend and fellow transgender sex worker who tries to offer reason while pursuing her singing career.
• Chester (James Ransone): Sin-Dee’s pimp boyfriend who sparks the central conflict with his infidelity.
• Razmik (Karren Karagulian): A married Armenian taxi driver struggling with his secret attraction to transgender women.
• Dinah (Mickey O’Hagan): The cisgender woman who is at the center of Sin-Dee’s search for her cheating boyfriend.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sin-Dee: “Merry Christmas Eve, bitch!” – The opening line of the film, setting the tone for Sin-Dee’s brash and unapologetic personality.
• Alexandra: “Girl, you is always so dramatic.” – Alexandra’s frequent observation of Sin-Dee’s over-the-top reactions, highlighting their contrasting personalities.
• Dinah: “I’m a star!” – Dinah proudly and somewhat sarcastically proclaims herself in the restroom.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $100,000
• Domestic Gross: $702,354
• Worldwide Gross: $840,099

💥 Tangerine Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into Tangerine not knowing what to expect, and wow, I was blown away. I felt like I was right there on the streets of LA with Sin-Dee and Alexandra. The scene in the laundromat at the end? I teared up, not gonna lie. It felt so real and honest. I kept thinking how I would respond if something like this happened to me. That ending? Totally unexpected, but perfect. Seeing Alexandra give Sin-Dee her wig was just pure friendship. I can’t recommend this movie enough – it’s raw, it’s funny, and it’s got so much heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
  • “Those who appreciate films with raw and realistic portrayals”
  • “People looking for unique and thought-provoking content”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Transphobia”
  • “Brief violence”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Tangerine shatters norms with its innovative iPhone filmmaking and raw, unflinching portrayal of transgender life. While the visuals may be gritty, the story shines with unexpected warmth and humor. This isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
• The Guardian: “Sean Baker’s Tangerine is a vibrant, chaotic burst of energy, capturing the frenetic pace of Hollywood’s streets. Rodriguez and Taylor deliver powerhouse performances, grounding the film’s outrageous premise with genuine emotion. It’s a must-see for anyone craving something fresh and real.
• RogerEbert.com: “Tangerine challenges expectations, offering a poignant glimpse into a world rarely seen on screen. The iPhone cinematography adds a unique layer of intimacy, drawing viewers into the lives of its complex characters. It’s a film that stays with you, prompting reflection on empathy and understanding.

Audience Reactions

The raw and authentic portrayal of the transgender community made the film incredibly powerful.: Viewers praised the film for its groundbreaking representation and humanizing characters.

The iPhone cinematography gave the film a unique and intimate feel.: Many were impressed by the film’s visual style despite its low-budget production.

Overall Consensus: Tangerine is a critically acclaimed indie film celebrated for its authentic portrayal of transgender sex workers, innovative iPhone cinematography, and compelling performances.

Awards

1. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Supporting Female)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tangerine was famously shot entirely on three iPhone 5s smartphones, using Moondog Labs’ anamorphic lens adapters and the FiLMiC Pro app to achieve a cinematic look.”
• “Director Sean Baker met Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, the two lead actresses, on the streets of Los Angeles, where they were working.”
• “The film’s vibrant color palette and gritty realism were intentional choices to reflect the energy and authenticity of the characters and their environment.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tangerine?

Tangerine is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tangerine, you might like these similar films:

• The Florida Project (2017): Also directed by Sean Baker, this film explores poverty and marginalized communities with a similar naturalistic style and focus on overlooked characters.
• Paris is Burning (1990): A documentary exploring the ballroom culture of New York City in the 1980s, highlighting the lives and struggles of LGBTQ+ people of color.
• Kids (1995): A controversial film depicting the lives of teenagers in New York City, exploring themes of sexuality, drug use, and aimless youth with a raw and unflinching approach.

🛒 Tangerine Related Products

• Tangerine (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Own Tangerine in stunning high definition with exclusive bonus content, including director interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. This Criterion Collection edition is a must-have for film enthusiasts and collectors.
• Sean Baker: Five Films [Blu-ray]: Features Sean Bakers’ best works to date, including Take Out, Prince of Broadway, Starlet, Tangerine, and The Florida Project.
• iPhone Filmmaking Kit: Start making your own iPhone movies with this professional kit that allows the user to attach an anamorphic lens to their phone to simulate the look of ‘Tangerine’.
• Movie Poster – Tangerine: Decorate your space with the vibrant and eye-catching poster from ‘Tangerine,’ capturing the film’s unique spirit and aesthetic. A perfect addition to any film lover’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Tangerine features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Toyland” – performed by Mya Taylor
• “A Sky Full of Stars” – performed by Coldplay
• “Knock You Out” – performed by Bingo Players

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Movie Was Shot On An iPhone

Did you know ‘Tangerine’ was shot on an iPhone? This video breaks down how that impacted the film and the rise of iPhone filmmaking, it’s pretty mind-blowing!

Sean Baker’s DVD Picks

Ever wonder what movies inspire your favorite directors? Check out Sean Baker, the director of ‘Tangerine’, revealing his favorite films from the Criterion Collection. You might find your next favorite movie too!

✨ Rate