Tea & Sangria (15) | Close-Up Film Review

Although slight, Tea and Sangria is a charming film. The one man band that is Peter Domankiewicz, who is the writer, producer, director, editor and main star – and he even writes some of the music – in his first feature film, puts everything into this movie. Having given up his job, his home and everything he knows in England to travel to Spain and be with the woman he has fallen for, is a huge step. Will David (Domankiewicz) regret his move?

Homeless in Madrid

It doesn’t begin too well with Marisa (Boix) turning up late and, unfortunately, the whole relationship starts to deteriorate to the point that David moves out of the shared apartment. Now homeless in Madrid, with little money and less Spanish, David is forced to rely on friends and find employment.

This is not the usual kind of rom com: instead of focusing just on the romance between the two, we see David coming to terms with the different culture of this Spanish city. The characters he comes across teach him about life in Madrid and, through the eyes of an Englishman we are able to delight not only in the lovely city but also in its special characteristics. At first you can see David translating not just the language but also the customs until he becomes familiar with both.

Domankiewicz is not particularly good-looking which makes the romantic part of the story quite believable. The actor has a natural charm which works well with the very attractive fiery Spanish Boix. The film is light and amusing with a gentle very British type of humour and a welcome change from some of the heavier stuff currently on offer.

Tea & Sangria is an irresistible European comedy which tosses the codes of behaviour of the English into the hurly-burly of a sublime Madrid. To be consumed with relish, like the two drinks of its title.

Review by Carlie Newman

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