Tamara Drewe

Tamara Drewe is a uniquely British, comedic drama directed by Stephen Frears and released in 2010. Starring Gemma Arterton, Luke Evans, and Dominic Cooper, the film skillfully melds traditional elements of English country life with modern, immediate concerns, all while keeping the audience engaged through humor and razor-sharp social observations.

Based on Posy Simmonds' graphic novel, which in turn was a modern reimagining of Thomas Hardy's "Far From the Madding Crowd," the narrative is set in the quaint village of Ewedown and follows the titular character, Tamara Drewe. Arterton brings her to life as a feisty woman grappling with the challenges and opportunities of her sudden transformation. After a successful rhinoplasty or 'nose job,' Tamara returns to her hometown, now an alluring figure who causes quite a stir amongst the townsfolk and threatens to topple the quiet status quo.

Among the community's idiosyncratic residents continuously captivated by Tamara are two vastly dissimilar men - Andy Cobb and Nicholas Hardiment. Played by Luke Evans and Roger Allam respectively, they form two points of an unusual love triangle that Tamara unwittingly becomes involved in. Andy is a ruggedly handsome, hardworking handyman, while Nicholas is a pompous, successful crime novelist unapologetically carrying on numerous affairs despite being married. Each man becomes entranced by the newly transformed Tamara, triggering a series of comic and dramatic events that ripple throughout the village.

Gemma Arterton delivers a powerful performance that embodies the complexities of Tamara Drewe as she navigates this tumultuous landscape. Tamara is fiercely intelligent, independent yet vulnerable, and ever-aware of the power her beauty yields. Arterton’s effervescent charm and layered performance adds authenticity to the role and truly propels the narrative.

Dominic Cooper plays the unlikely third visage to the film’s central romantic triangle, performing as a narcissistic rock drummer, Ben Sergeant. His entrance into the village's romantic vortex further complicates the relationships.

Adding an additional layer to this artistically imbued medley of events is a writer’s retreat, run by Nicholas and his long-suffering wife Beth, played by the talented Tamsin Greig. Beth is a devoted wife and a perfect homemaker, incessantly trying to maintain a sense of order amidst chaos. The retreat witnesses a mismatched collection of writers, each with their distinct characteristics, who contribute humorously to the unfolding narrative.

What sets Tamara Drewe apart is not just its impressive lead performances, but also its vivid supporting characters. Ewedown is painted as home to diverse personalities, each quirky in their way: a constellation of writers with eccentric characteristics and hysterical peculiarities, a disgruntled teenager to whom Tamara is the epitome of city-girl glamour, a faithful canine who unwittingly precipitates a crisis, and some highly impressionable farm animals.

The film's defining feature, however, is its blend of humor and satire. Tamara Drewe uses doses of farce, comedy of manners, and social commentary to amplify its narrative and make pointed observations about rural life, egotistical artists, and the double-edged sword of beauty. Tamara’s life post-transformation serves as a commentary on how superficiality can influence perceptions. Meanwhile, the writers’ retreat offers comedic relief, as well as dissections and mockery of pretentious literati.

Complementing its clever storytelling is the movie’s aesthetics. The lush green fields, quaint stone homes, and tranquil lanes of Ewedown contribute significantly to the charm of the movie. The director, Stephen Frears, does an exceptional job by leveraging these visually pleasing backdrops to enhance the narrative, carving a distinctly pastoral setting that is both engaging and entrancing.

In terms of genre, Tamara Drewe is a comedy-drama, but it also has elements of romance and complexity that contribute to its overall intrigue. It's an exploration of human relationships and how they are influenced by societal expectations, personal motivations and physical appearances. It's a witty, humorous, and sometimes raw look at life in a small English village, and the unexpected disruptions that can come from one person's transformation.