Movie Details
Title: When Life Gives You Tangerines
Genre: Comedy-Drama, Slice-of-Life
Release Date: 2025
Director: Sofia Alvarez (Someone Great, Along for the Ride)
Writer: Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This Is Us, Love, Simon)
Cast: Florence Pugh (Little Women, Midsommar) as Clara Bennett, John Boyega (Star Wars, The Woman King) as Marcus Wright
In the quirky, heartwarming comedy-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, Clara Bennett (Florence Pugh) is a struggling artist who, after a series of personal and professional disasters, impulsively moves to a small coastal town in Spain to "find herself." Broke and disillusioned, she takes a job at a failing tangerine orchard owned by the gruff but kind Javier Morales (Pedro Pascal), who is on the verge of losing his family’s legacy.
As Clara adjusts to her new life, she befriends a ragtag group of locals, including Marcus (John Boyega), a charming but aimless ex-musician working at a beachside bar; Liz (Awkwafina), a sarcastic yet supportive café owner with her own share of regrets; and Dr. Evelyn Park (Sandra Oh), a wise but no-nonsense therapist who becomes Clara’s reluctant mentor.
When a corporate developer threatens to buy the orchard and turn it into a luxury resort, Clara and her newfound friends band together to save it—leading to a series of hilarious misadventures, unexpected romances, and emotional breakthroughs. Along the way, Clara learns that sometimes, when life gives you tangerines (or lemons, or whatever fruit it throws at you), the best thing to do is make something sweet out of it.
Key Themes & Style:
- Heartfelt & Humorous: A balance of sharp wit and deep emotional moments.
- Self-Discovery: A story about second chances, found family, and embracing life’s messiness.
- Visually Stunning: Lush Spanish landscapes, vibrant citrus groves, and cozy seaside towns.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A feel-good story with a stellar ensemble cast.
- Uplifting & relatable—perfect for fans of Little Miss Sunshine and Under the Tuscan Sun.
- A mix of laughter and tears, with a soundtrack featuring indie folk and nostalgic hits.