The Jasper Film Club will be presenting Tamara Drewe at the Chaba Theatre on Jan. 13.

The film follows title character Tamara Drewe in a modern-day adaptation of Posy Simmonds’ graphic novel, also titled Tamara Drewe. That novel was taken from the Thomas Hardy classic Far from the Madding Crowd. 

This 21st century update throws in sex appeal and comedy as Drewe returns to her childhood town of Ewedown in the English countryside after a plastic surgery makeover. Her return prompts jealousy, love affairs and more as the beauty pits neighbouring farmsteads against each other using her charm. 

The film’s location is an updated version of Hardy’s town of Wessex, and the cast of characters provides a catalogue of comic gold. Drewe draws a sex-obsessed rock-star, stuck-up writers, wealthy weekend vacationers and even the livestock to vie for her affections. 

Director Stephen Frears was drawn to the script for its comedic value laced with sex appeal. 

“The script makes me laugh; it’s very, very funny, and very sexy and a very contemporary, modern film,” he said in the film’s synopsis. 

The graphic novel origins were a help as filmmakers began to piece Tamara Drewe together. A storyboard was already created, making the job easier as they adapted it to the screen. 

The Jasper Film Club will be screening the film at the Chaba Theatre on Jan. 13 starting at 7:30 p.m.