Review of Tamara Drewe (2010) by Ed H — 07 Nov 2010

Knowing nothing about a film's origin can be a blessing and a curse. Sometimes it helps temper expectations but it can also make it difficult to understand if the project is a success or a catastrophic failure.

Based on a graphic novel I have clearly never heard about, TD is a decent movie with some interesting ideas but at times boring and too convoluted.

The heroine - if you could call her that - is a young journalist that comes back to her old home town to dispose of her dead mother's home. Her return triggers a number of events that connect in the most absurd manner. Some are triggered by her past, some by her present and others by mere circumstance.

As the story progresses it fluctuates from comedy to tragedy with very little room for error. Here is where the film falls flat and is ultimately excessive and more mediocre than it should be.

Ultimately this is another good movie that few people will watch. It's a shame because these are the pieces of work that keep movies fresh, if not always great.

In aggregate, the lovely British countryside, the sleaze and the absurdity make the movie work. Nothing great but worth a watch.