Surprised by Oxford

2023

RomanceDrama

Brilliant but emotionally-guarded Caro Drake arrives in Oxford with the singular goal of attaining her PhD, but through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man she starts to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.

"One choice can change everything."

Rating

5.717
23 votes

Popularity

1.2421

Origin & Countries

GB | en | United Kingdom,United States of America

Production

Evolve Studios,Nook Lane Entertainment,Ascendant Fox,Distinction Films,Quite Quick Productions

Runtime

107 min.

Status

Released

Release: 9/27/2023

Credits

Surprised by Oxford

Ryan WhitakerDirector

Surprised by Oxford

Rose ReidCaro Drake

Surprised by Oxford

Ruairí O'ConnorKent Weber

Surprised by Oxford

Simon CallowDr. Sterling

Surprised by Oxford

Phyllis LoganProvost Regina Knight

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Reviews

CinemaSerf

10/19/2023

7 / 10

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!

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