Tamara Drewe (2010)

Based on the comic strip by Posy Simmonds which is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd, Stephen Frears directs a film that feels really unique.  It has a dark edge to it that's still funny while also bleeding over into drama.  But it's never overly melodramatic.  I felt it had a few pacing issues but I guess that's not fair since I can't really tell you where those places are, and its pacing is what gives it its unique tone.  Gemma Arterton is wonderful as the title character, as the young woman who returns to the small town she grew up to cause a stir.  But for me the two performers who steal the movie are Jessica Barden as Jody Long and Bill Camp as Glen McCreavy.   Its these two characters and the actors playing them that make this movie sing.  Without their story threads the movie would have failed.  But it doesn't and it deserves a viewing from those who will appreciate its British sensibilities.  Grade: B+