Skip to content
MovieCove
Tamara Drewe

Tamara Drewe

A comedy about sex, love and a nose job...

2010107 minRMidcredits score: 47th percentile of all films
Director
Stephen Frears
Starring
Gemma Arterton, Roger Allam, Bill Camp, Dominic Cooper

A young newspaper writer returns to her hometown in the English countryside, where her childhood home is being prepped for sale.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Tamara Drewe?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Tamara Drewe to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Tamara Drewe?

Tamara Drewe earns 7 badges, led by Visual feast and Before they were famous.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Tamara Drewe worth watching?

Tamara Drewe's Midcredits score is the 47th percentile of all films, from 34K ratings across 6 sources. 46% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

47th percentile

Better received than 47% of films

53rd percentile among Comedy47th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)46th

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Comedy48th percentile among 2010s

Critics 64 · Audience 60

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

46% liked it

46th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Comedy46th percentile among 2010s
46% rated it 7–1054% rated it 1–6

Critics 64% · Audience 42%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 3 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

91st percentile

34K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Comedy92nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 5% in 30 days

Box office

Budget£8M

In British pound, not converted to dollars.

Opening weekend$19K
Domestic gross$560K
Worldwide gross$12M

75th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A light, character-driven British comedy-drama set in a picturesque rural village, adapted from a graphic novel.

Fans praised

  • witty script and sharp dialogue
  • strong ensemble cast with standout performances
  • evocative Dorset countryside cinematography

Detractors panned

  • shallow and unlikeable characters
  • tonal inconsistency between comedy and drama
  • predictable, meandering plot

What stands out

Cinematography78

lush, picturesque Dorset landscapes

ActingDivisive70

strong ensemble cast, especially Allam and Greig; Barden steals scenes

DialogueDivisive70

witty and sharp, with quotable lines

HumorDivisive55

dry and witty at times, but often falls flat or feels forced

Pacing50

slow in places, especially second half

Plot and storyDivisive45

predictable and meandering, held together by coincidence

CharactersDivisive42

mostly exaggerated stereotypes; few have depth or likability

Originality35

derivative of Hardy and full of clichés

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 13 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 13 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Tamara Drewe like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is gentle, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticBittersweetAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material at a knowing, subtly ironic distance, satirizing its characters' vanity and the countryside's insularity while retaining warmth.
The rideThe mood fluctuates between romantic comedy and light chaos, with the emotional weight settling in the third act following a tragic turn.
StructureTold chronologically over the course of a year, with a conventional setup, complications and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's comic surface gives way to a poignant, slightly melancholic reflection on love and rural life.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1% (this title)
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Comedy of manners: Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA satirical romantic comedy that follows a love quadrangle in an English village, mocking the literary set and rural insularity.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe story explores how romantic love is pursued, betrayed, and rekindled among the residents and visitors of a writers' retreat.
StanceThe film watches its characters navigate romantic entanglements and small-town dramas with a gently amused, non-judgmental eye.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Alexandre Desplat
Settinga writers' retreat and a family farm in the Dorset countryside
MusicThe score is light and playful, underscoring the comic and romantic moments without overwhelming them.

Content guide

Is Tamara Drewe okay for kids?

R

Tamara Drewe is rated R: “Rated R for language and some sexuality” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (36/100), sexual content at moderate (38/100), language at intense (71/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (52/100) and frightening material at mild (30/100). Its frightening material has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 18% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • Austria12
  • Belgium16
  • FinlandK-13
  • Israelהותר לבני 14 ומעלה
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 45% of all filmsHeavier than 18% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 17%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 34%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 58%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 66%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (9 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Tamara Drewe have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Tamara Drewe?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Gemma Arterton
as Tamara Drewe
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Roger Allam
as Nicholas Hardiment
Bill Camp
as Glen McCreavy
Dominic Cooper
as Ben Sergeant
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jessica Barden
as Jody Long
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Luke Evans
as Andy Cobb
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Tamsin Greig
as Beth Hardiment
Charlotte Christie
as Casey Shaw
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Alex Kelly
as Jody's Mum
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
James Naughtie
as Interviewer
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Tamara Drewe?

Movies like Tamara Drewe include Emma (1996), Manhattan (1979) and Barcelona (1994). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set in the countryside, and most are romantic comedies.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its story type: comedy of manners. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Tamara Drewe?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: journalist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.