Cast
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Rose Reid
as Caro Drake
Ruairí O'Connor
as Kent Weber
Simon Callow
as Dr. Sterling
Phyllis Logan
as Provost Regina Knight
Mark Williams
as Professor Nuttham
Ed Stoppard
as Dr. Condorston
Olisa Odele
as Fred
Lourdes Faberes
as Professor Rutledge
Michael Culkin
as Professor McTeague
Nicholas Aaron
as Elton
Tyler Merritt
as Dr. Deveaux
Emma Naomi
as Hannah
Anabelle Holloway
as Young Caro
Dean Shortland
as Charles Drake
George Jaques
as Bill
Crew
Director
- Ryan Whitaker
Writer
- Ryan Whitaker
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Caro Drake (Rose Reid) is a typically dedicated student who arrives at Oxford University, on a scholarship, determined to succeed, make her family proud and leave with her PhD. She's naturally quite shy and reserved but is no shrinking violet - useful, as her charismatic neighbour is Edward (Louis Landau) - and he's a bit of a Lothario. Caro does make a few friends and finds, largely despite herself, that she is drawn to the charmingly enigmatic "Kent" (Ruairi O'Connor). He is an interesting character who lives his life according to some strong Christian tenets that seem intent on ensuring that their relationship cannot really develop further. What now ensues is the beginnings of a love story set against the beautiful colleges of Oxford. There are a useful series of scenes featuring the college dean (Phyllis Logan) that help us to put some meat on the bones of this initially rather shallow individual; Simon Callow pops up to instigate some serious theoretical debate and Mark Williams proves to be the honest, inspiring - and quite sarcastic - lecturer that well needed at this stage in our educational lives. There's actually quite a decent degree of on-screen chemistry between Reid and O'Connor and though it does border on the introspective now and again, is quite an engaging observation of a true story of two people finding each other, their priorities and making their way in life. Not what I was expecting, and worth a watch. PS: there is a Q&A around which I'd strongly suggest you avoid til after the film!
Oct 19, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Surprised by Oxford examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ryan Whitaker brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Surprised by Oxford took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1455 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: September 27, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 47m
Where to Watch
