Review of Tamara Drewe (2010) by Isabelle P — 23 Aug 2010

So british, so naughty, and such wish-fulfulling irreverence ; Frears has masterfully transposed Posy Simmondsâ?? graphic novel, itself inspired by Hardyâ??s â??Far from the Madding Crowdâ??. Its weakness lies only, though not insignificantly, in the conspiratorial tweens, two frankly irritating mischiefmakers whose infatuated antics, though driving the plot, strangely diffuse its rhythm and even splash the filmâ??s wry wit with obvious ridicule.

But if for nothing else, Tamsin Greig alone makes the film absolutely worth seeing. As the luckless Beth, her distraught but unhysterical performance is pitch perfect.