Netflix’s “Tin and Tina,” written and directed by Ruben Stein, is a psychological thriller starring Milena Smit and Jamie Lorente. The Spanish film is based on Stein’s 2013 short film of the same name. It follows a young couple, Lola and Adolf, who adopt two oddly orphaned twins. However, the children’s religious beliefs disrupt the family’s life, setting off a chain of inexplicable events. The film combines horror and mystery elements with family stories, which can easily resonate with the audience. Its setting and time period also help convey its theme. If you’ve ever wondered when and where “Tin & Tina” takes place, here’s everything you need to know! Spoilers ahead!
When does Tin and Tina happen?
“Tin & Tina” revolves around a young couple, Lola and Adolfo, who adopt twin orphans from a local monastery to raise as their own. The film follows Lola and Adolf as they try to understand the mindset of their adopted children who were raised in a strict religious environment. As a result, the children obediently followed the teachings of the Bible, literally. As a result, Lola and Adolf have to face some baffling and shocking events that make them question their decision to adopt their child. The main theme of the film is religious fanaticism, especially the aspect that leads people, especially children, to fear God.
The film’s setting reflects disturbing themes and views of God’s tyranny. The film takes place in 1981, a period of history that has been particularly turbulent for Spain. In the early 1980s, Spain was in the final stages of transition to democracy. The country had previously seen authoritarian leadership, which was replaced by democracy by 1982. Thus, the film, set in the final days of Spanish autocracy, adds a depiction of themes of higher authority. Thus, the film’s 1980s setting adds to the film’s symbolism and provides another layer of social commentary to its already thought-provoking subject material.
Where does Tin & Tina take place?
While the time period of “Tin & Tina” is clearly conveyed through the use of archival footage and period-appropriate technology, its geographical context is less obvious. The film takes place in Spain, mostly in a house in the countryside where Lola, Adolfo and their adopted child live. However, the exact location or province in Spain where the film’s events take place is never explicitly stated on-screen. Thus, the setup adds to the mystery of the narrative and amplifies its unsettling nature by letting the audience know about Lola and Adolf’s family.
The movie gives the impression that these events could have happened anywhere in Spain or even abroad with little cultural change. Thus, the setting gives the film a universal appeal, better resonating with the audience for the subject material. At the same time, the film was shot almost entirely in the province of Seville. So it’s safe to say that Lola and Adolfo live in Seville, making it the main setting of the film. However, since the film takes place in the 980s, the city of Seville has changed beyond recognition from what it is now. As such, the film’s physical surroundings don’t directly affect its narrative, but instead help create the atmosphere the story is trying to capture.
Read more: How Did Adolf Die in ‘Tin and Tina’?theory