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REVIEW
May 30, 2023
The Old Oak
The Old Oak (2023) delivers a thought-provoking narrative that tackles the neglected topic of immigrants living in hostels across the UK, subjected to abuse and attacks fuelled by social media radicalisation.
Story: The Old Oak is the story of a village in the Northeast of England, where the mine closed, and people feel deserted by the system. Many young ones have left and what was once a thriving, proud community struggles to keep old values alive. But there is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope. Houses are cheap and available. This makes it an ideal location for the Syrian refugees that have been accepted by Britain in recent years. How will the Syrians be received? And what will be the future for the last remaining pub in the village, The Old Oak?
Length: The drama film has a runtime of 1 hour, 53 minutes.
Cast: The film is directed by Ken Loach and written by Paul Laverty, who is also in charge of screenplay.
The film stars, Trevor Fox as Charlie, Debbie Honeywood as Tania, Laura Lee Daly as Rosie, Jordan Louis as Garry, Neil Leiper as Rocco, Dave Turner as TJ Ballantyne, Ebla Mari as Yara, and Andrea Johnson as Amy.
Review: In the film, pub landlord TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) grapples with personal hardships, including divorce, depression, and a strained relationship with his son. Operating The Old Oak, the only meeting place in a deprived former mining town, TJ witnesses the simmering anger and frustration among his regulars. They express resentment towards declining house prices, the exploitation of rental properties by real estate companies, and the arrival of terrified Syrian immigrants that further escalates tensions.
What sets The Old Oak apart is Loach's empathetic approach to the characters, particularly the angry white locals. Rather than vilifying them, Loach highlights their shared struggle with the Syrian newcomers, victims of the same market forces and geopolitical interests. TJ's refusal to open the pub's back room for the locals to voice their grievances becomes a turning point, but he inadvertently allows it to be used for a community supper that brings together both locals and Syrians, fostering unexpected connections and challenging prejudices.
Loach skilfully portrays the growing friendship between TJ and Yara (Ebla Mari), a young Syrian woman yearning for news of her imprisoned father. Their bond is misinterpreted by some patrons, adding to the already tense atmosphere. Moments such as TJ taking Yara to see Durham Cathedral evoke profound emotions, as she reflects on the loss of cultural heritage in the face of destruction caused by conflict.
The Old Oak exemplifies Loach's signature style of social realism, employing unadorned cinematography by Robbie Ryan and featuring first-time actors and non-professionals. The film's simplicity and sincerity resonate, as Loach remains committed to his filmmaking principles over the years. His unwavering dedication to radical minimalism is in stark contrast to fleeting trends in the industry.
While one can only hope that The Old Oak is not Loach's final film, if it were, it serves as a compelling testament to his enduring faith in compassion for the oppressed. The film urges viewers to recognise the power of empathy and solidarity in fostering a more inclusive society.
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