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Comedy drama

Tinā (2024): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Tinā (2024) movie poster

Tinā is a 2024 comedy drama directed by Miki Magasiva, starring Anapela Polataivao as Mareta, Tiare Lily Savea and Beulah Koale. It runs 2 hours 4 minutes and was made on a reported $4.3 million budget. IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.

IMDb rating
7.8/10
Echo Score
87
budget
$4.3M
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Tinā (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 4m (124 min)
Director
Miki Magasiva
Genres
Comedy , Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$4.3M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Tinā About?

The premise of Tinā without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Haunted by the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, she takes a temporary position as a substitute teacher at a prestigious school. There she discovers the pupils adrift, receiving little guidance, and she gradually becomes the mentor who offers them inspiration, compassion and the support they need to heal and grow.

Tinā Themes & Keywords

· 10 tags
  • private school
  • teacher
  • catholic school
  • substitute teacher
  • school
  • school uniform
  • choir
  • singing
  • new zealand
  • samoan
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Cast & crew

Tinā Cast & Characters

Anapela Polataivao leads the cast as Mareta, with Tiare Lily Savea as Lanita Percival and Beulah Koale as Sio. Directed by Miki Magasiva; 16 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Tinā

· 12 more
From the director

More from Miki Magasiva

One more film directed by Miki Magasiva: Tinā.

Full filmography
Ratings

Tinā Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Tinā 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in story & flow (78).

87 /100

Tinā Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Tinā delivers a resonant blend of emotional storytelling and cultural celebration that has resonated strongly with audiences. Reviewers highlight its powerful lead performance, authentic depiction of Pacific community resilience, and a soundtrack that underscores the narrative’s uplift. The direction is noted for confident visual storytelling and measured pacing, while the humor interspersed throughout balances the drama. Consequently, the film emerges as a compelling, memorable experience that warrants recommendation and repeat viewings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    ART: In terms of direction and visual composition, Tinā is commended for confident, deliberate storytelling and striking cinematographic choices. Reviewers note phenomenal composition and a polished aesthetic that supports the emotional tone. Editing maintains a measured pacing that allows scenes to breathe, enhancing both drama and humor. Overall, the film’s craft contributes significantly to its impact.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    CHARACTER: When evaluating acting and emotional depth, reviewers consistently praise the lead’s nuanced performance and the chemistry among the ensemble. Performances are described as powerful, authentic, and capable of eliciting both laughter and tears. Even critics acknowledge the believable portrayals despite occasional character inconsistencies. The combined talent of the cast reinforces the film’s emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 78

    STORY: Regarding plot structure and originality, the film weaves a familiar redemption arc with cultural specificity. Critics appreciate its moving, cohesive narrative and effective pacing, yet some point to formulaic elements and predictability that diminish novelty. Despite these concerns, the story remains engaging and emotionally compelling for most viewers.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    SENSORY: In terms of auditory and visual experience, reviewers highlight a vibrant soundtrack that showcases choral excellence and enriches the narrative. Sound design and musical performances are described as phenomenal and seamlessly integrated. Visual storytelling benefits from confident direction and striking compositions, creating an immersive atmosphere that supports both humor and drama.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    REWATCH: The film’s emotional depth and cultural relevance encourage repeat viewings, as audiences report lingering impact and a desire to share it with others. Its blend of humor, music, and heartfelt drama creates a memorable experience that remains fresh upon subsequent watches. Consequently, Tinā scores highly on lasting appeal and recommendation potential.

  • IMDb logo IMDb

    7.8 /10

    1501 votes

Plot

Tinā Plot Summary

What happens in Tinā from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Mareta Percival [Anapela Polataivao] is a Samoan New Zealander who works as a teacher in a primary school in the low‑income Christchurch suburb of Aranui. On the day of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Mareta’s daughter auditions at the CTV Building and is killed during the quake. A grief‑stricken Mareta loses her sense of purpose in life while clinging to her Roman Catholic faith.

Full summary

The whole story of Tinā, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Tinā Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 1 trailer, 3 clips and 1 featurette.

Official Trailer
  • Clip Official Clip - Don't Dream It's Over
  • Clip Official Clip - New Job
  • Clip Official Clip - Choir Practice
  • Featurette Official Interview with Miki Magasiva and Anapela Polataivao
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Tinā?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Mareta Percival's occupation at the start of the film?

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FAQ

Tinā FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Tinā, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Tinā?

Tinā runs 2 hours 4 minutes (124 minutes).

When was Tinā released?

Tinā was released on October 3, 2024.

Who directed Tinā?

Tinā was directed by Miki Magasiva.

More films by Miki Magasiva

Who is in the cast of Tinā?

Tinā stars Anapela Polataivao as Mareta, Tiare Lily Savea as Lanita Percival and Beulah Koale as Sio, among 16 credited actors.

What was the budget of Tinā?

Tinā had a reported budget of $4.3 million.

How is Tinā rated?

Tinā has 7.8/10 on IMDb.

Does Tinā have a post-credit scene?

No. Tinā has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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