Surprised by Oxford

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1:32

Surprised by Oxford

Released Sep 27, 2023

1h 42m

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

67%

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9 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

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

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Nell Minow

RogerEbert.com

Almost every shot of the film is filled with its grandeur, dignity, splendor, and traditions.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 5, 2023

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Cath Clarke

Guardian

The purpose is to convert people but really it feels like they are just talking to themselves.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 25, 2023

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Tynan Yanaga

Film Inquiry

For those who have only a mild familiarity or hold an aversion for faith-based movies, Surprised by Hope is a cut above.

Oct 7, 2023

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Ayeen Forootan

In Review Online

Surprised by Oxford, despite its failure to really develop of any deep emotional resonance or narrative thrust, manages to shape a successfully feel-good, small-scaled atmosphere.

Sep 29, 2023

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Markie Robson-Scott

The Arts Desk

This vaguely religious, Jesus-lite rom com, co-written by Weber, feels wishy-washy -- though its cast, which includes Simon Callow, Mark Williams and Michael Culkin, lends it pizzazz.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 27, 2023

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Jackie K. Cooper

jackiekcooper.com

The plot just stumbles along - but keep an eye on Rose Reid.

Rated: 4/10

Aug 17, 2023

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Stephanie K

I really liked that it was a faith based movie with none of the typical cheese. It was a lovely story and done really well. I only wish we couldve seen the realization of being saved or a verbal confirmation of it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/02/23

Full Review

jeanne

Loved the love story and how she honestly considered faith in God

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/23

Full Review

KatDub

I always ask myself, would I see this movie again. My answer....no....I will never get those two hours of my life back. The movie went on and on, with no clear point.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/02/23

Full Review

Holly R

EXCELLENT!!!! Wonderful cinematography, excellent screenplay, decent adaptation of the book, and fantastic insight into the pursuit for faith without being heavy handed. Quite intellectual… a must see for all!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/23

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Marie F

This is one Id go back to see again and bring more friends along. Great story and great acting!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/23

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Alain E

As an ex Christian for about 55 years, I watched this out of curiosity and it was better than I feared. Of course the thesis that you read a CS Lewis book and puff, you are convinced to adopt his faith, is highly questionable. We are not witnessing any conversion to one religion worldwide. There are numerous Christian denominations that insist on remaining separate. Back to our movie. Photographed in saturated colors and with acting that avoids exaggerations, it is easy to watch. I am not sure about some details. When the heroine arrives in Oxford the bus drops her at some country road. When, towards the end,her beloved leaves the party to catch a plane to US, she runs after his taxi in an Oxford that is totally devoid of any traffic or other people. Then a horse mounting policeman arrives and gives her a ride. This scene today in DC would have National Guardsmen inviting her in their Humvee. Advantage: Trump.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/28/25

Full Review

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Ryan Whitaker

Director

Simon Callow

Dr. Sterling

Ruairi O'Connor

Kent Weber

Mark Williams

Professor Nuttham

Phyllis Logan

Provost Regina Knight

Rose Reid

Caro Drake

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Surprised by Oxford: Trailer 1

1:32

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Synopsis

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

Director: Ryan Whitaker
Producer: Ken Carpenter, Jen Lewis
Screenwriter: Ryan Whitaker
Distributor: Trafalgar Releasing
Production Co: Evolve Studios, Nook Lane Entertainment, Ascendant Fox
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 27, 2023, Limited
Runtime: 1h 42m

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