🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Stephen Frears
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2010
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (26K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Woman gets nose job, goes back home, and suddenly everyone wants to sleep with her, leading to countryside chaos and questionable life choices.
🍿 Tamara Drewe: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Returning to Ewedown
Tamara Drewe, a journalist, returns to her childhood home in the quaint Dorset village of Ewedown. Once an awkward teenager, Tamara’s transformation includes a nose job and a confident demeanor. She intends to sell her deceased mother’s farm, Winnard Farm, but her presence stirs up the quiet lives of the villagers. This return sets the stage for a tangled web of relationships and desires.

Entanglements and Affairs
Ewedown is home to a writers’ retreat run by Beth Hardiment and her philandering husband, Nicholas. Tamara’s arrival sparks interest from multiple men, including her old flame, Andy Cobb, and a rock star named Ben Sergeant. Nicholas, despite being married, also becomes infatuated with Tamara. This leads to a series of affairs and jealousies within the small community. The relationships are further complicated by the presence of teenage girls obsessed with Ben.

Teenage Mischief and Jealousy
Two bored teenagers, Jody and Casey, become central to the unfolding drama. Jody is particularly fixated on Ben, leading her to acts of manipulation and interference. Casey, driven by jealousy and teenage angst, commits an act that ultimately leads to tragedy. Their actions highlight the undercurrent of tension and suppressed desires within the seemingly idyllic village.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Tamara Drewe (Gemma Arterton): A young journalist returns to her hometown, stirring up old flames and new passions with her newfound attractiveness.
- Andy Cobb (Luke Evans): A handyman and Tamara’s former sweetheart who quietly pines for her return.
- Ben Sergeant (Dominic Cooper): A rock star drummer who enters into a turbulent relationship with Tamara.
- Nicholas Hardiment (Roger Allam): A successful but unfaithful writer who runs a writers’ retreat and pursues Tamara.
- Beth Hardiment (Tamsin Greig): The long-suffering wife of Nicholas who manages the writers’ retreat and endures her husband’s infidelity.
- Jody Long (Jessica Barden): A mischievous teenager obsessed with Ben who causes trouble and affects the lives of those around her.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Andy Cobb: “Marriage. Remind me never to try it.” – Andy expresses his cynical view on marriage, reflecting his own romantic history and the complicated relationships around him.
- Nicholas Hardiment: “Writers are just thieves and liars.” – Nicholas, a novelist himself, makes this cynical remark, highlighting the often exploitative nature of writers and their tendency to embellish the truth.
💰Box Office
- Budget: £8,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $560,391
- Worldwide Gross: $12,037,973
💥 Tamara Drewe Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘Tamara Drewe’! The movie had me hooked from the start with its quirky characters and beautiful English countryside setting. The scene where the cows stampede was hilarious and unexpected. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the whole movie. Seeing Gemma Arterton in those tiny shorts was definitely a highlight!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of British comedies”
- “Viewers interested in stories about rural life”
- “Those who enjoy ensemble cast dramas”
- “Audiences who appreciate films based on literary works”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sexual content”
- “Infidelity”
- “Strong language”
- “Brief nudity”
- “Thematic elements including death”
Professional Reviews
- The Guardian: “A delightful and quintessentially English film that offers a wry look at modern life in the countryside. Gemma Arterton shines, and the supporting cast is equally brilliant.
- The New York Times: “A charming adaptation of Posy Simmonds’ graphic novel, ‘Tamara Drewe’ captures the spirit of Thomas Hardy with a modern twist. The film’s witty dialogue and strong performances make it a must-see.
- Variety: “Stephen Frears delivers a smart and funny film that explores themes of love, lust, and betrayal in a quaint English setting. Arterton is captivating as the title character.
Audience Reactions
Gemma Arterton is stunning and steals every scene.: Viewers loved the witty script and sharp humor.
The rural setting provides a picturesque backdrop to the chaotic events.: Fans enjoyed the film’s exploration of modern relationships.
Overall Consensus: ‘Tamara Drewe’ is a charming and funny British comedy with a stellar cast and beautiful scenery, though some find the characters unlikeable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Tamara Drewe is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Posy Simmonds, which itself was inspired by Thomas Hardy’s novel “Far from the Madding Crowd.””
- “The film was shot on location in Dorset, England, the same region where many of Thomas Hardy’s novels are set, adding authenticity to the adaptation.”
- “Several scenes were filmed in the village of Salwayash, Dorset.”
- “The writers’ retreat setting was inspired by real-life retreats in the English countryside, providing a backdrop of artistic and romantic entanglements.”
🖥️ How to Watch Tamara Drewe?
Tamara Drewe is available to rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential availability on streaming services or cable on-demand options. Digital retailers often offer the film for download, providing a convenient way to watch at your leisure. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Tamara Drewe, you might like these similar films:
- Far from the Madding Crowd (2015): Direct adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel that inspired ‘Tamara Drewe,’ exploring similar themes of love, loss, and rural life.
- Cold Comfort Farm (1995): Shares the British countryside setting and comedic exploration of societal expectations and eccentric characters.
- Pride & Prejudice (2005): Focuses on the romantic entanglements and social dynamics within a rural English setting.
- Gemma Bovery (2014): Another adaptation of a Posy Simmonds graphic novel exploring similar themes of adultery, small-town life, and female characters inspired by classic literature.
🛒 Tamara Drewe Related Products
- Far from the Madding Crowd (Thomas Hardy): The classic novel that inspired ‘Tamara Drewe,’ offering a deeper dive into themes of love, class, and rural life. Experience the original story’s timeless appeal.
- Tamara Drewe (Graphic Novel): Posy Simmonds’ original graphic novel, full of witty illustrations and sharp social commentary. Experience the story in its original form and enjoy the distinctive artwork.
- The Queen (DVD): Directed by Stephen Frears, this film showcases the director’s skills and storytelling abilities. A must-watch for fans of ‘Tamara Drewe’ who want to explore Frears’ filmography.
- British Comedy DVD Collection: A compilation of classic British comedy films, capturing the humor and wit that define the genre. A perfect addition for fans who enjoy ‘Tamara Drewe’.
🎧 Soundtrack
Tamara Drewe features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘Tamara Drewe’ is based on a graphic novel of the same name by Posy Simmonds, which was inspired by Thomas Hardy’s novel ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.
‘Tamara Drewe’ was filmed in Dorset, England, specifically in the village of Salwayash. This location was chosen to capture the quintessential English countryside setting.
The main themes of ‘Tamara Drewe’ include the disruption of rural life by outsiders, the complexities of relationships and desires, and the consequences of infidelity and jealousy. It also explores themes of transformation and the superficiality of appearances.
🔥 Bonus Content
Tamara Drewe – Exclusive: Dominic Cooper and Luke Evans Interview
Ever wondered what it was like for Dominic Cooper and Luke Evans to bring those characters to life? This interview gives you a sneak peek behind the scenes and some cool background on the original comic. It’s definitely worth a watch if you enjoyed the film!
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