Old Pub Becomes a Beacon of Hope

Read Time:3 Minute, 58 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Old Oak
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023, 2024
Runtime: 1h 53m
Director(s): Ken Loach
Writer(s): Paul Laverty
Cast: Dave Turner, Ebla Mari, Claire Rodgerson, Trevor Fox
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Ken Loach’s film presents a heartfelt and lively depiction of a struggling community in northeast England as it confronts the arrival of Syrian refugees. The story is set in a once-thriving mining town now facing economic despair, capturing the tensions and complexities that arise when new faces join an already troubled environment.

The film's heart revolves around TJ Ballantyne, played by Dave Turner, an aging pub owner. His pub, THE OLD OAK, which once served as the community’s lively hub, now stands as a stark reminder of the town's decline. Frequented by a dwindling number of regulars who harbor xenophobic views, the atmosphere is tense and unwelcoming. The arrival of Syrian refugees, including the young photographer Yara, portrayed by Ebla Mari, further disrupts this fragile balance, bringing hidden prejudices to the forefront.

Loach, renowned for his dedication to social realism, delivers a raw and empathetic narrative. The film opens with Yara and her family stepping off a bus, immediately encountering hostility from the locals. This initial conflict sets the stage for a series of interactions that reveal deeply ingrained biases and the complex social dynamics at play.

The evolving relationship between TJ and Yara is central to the story. Their unlikely friendship begins to blossom as they collaborate on establishing a community kitchen to bridge the gap between the town’s residents and the refugees. The community kitchen becomes a powerful metaphor for their efforts to foster unity and understanding in a divided community.

Loach’s direction, supported by Paul Laverty’s screenplay, does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in this neglected part of England. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan captures the film’s stark aesthetic, portraying the town's desolation while highlighting moments of genuine human connection that offer glimpses of hope. This balance between despair and optimism is a hallmark of Loach’s work, reflecting his belief in the resilience of the human spirit even amidst adversity.

Set during the summer of 2016, THE OLD OAK critiques the struggles of immigrants, a theme increasingly relevant in the wake of neoliberal policies and the Brexit referendum. The economic abandonment of towns like the one depicted has left residents vulnerable to populist rhetoric, a theme Loach explores with characteristic depth and nuance.

Throughout THE OLD OAK, Loach revisits themes central to his work: class struggle, community solidarity, and the impact of economic policies on working-class individuals. The film draws a direct line from the miners’ strike in 1984, depicted in photographs on the walls of TJ’s pub, to the present-day struggles the town’s inhabitants face. This historical continuity emphasizes the ongoing nature of social and economic injustices and the necessity of collective action to address them.

THE OLD OAK is a testament to Loach’s unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about their societies and consider solidarity's power in adversity. For long-time fans of Loach’s work, THE OLD OAK will resonate, while newcomers will find it a compelling introduction to the themes and styles that have defined his decades-long career. Whether this film marks the end of his illustrious career, it remains a powerful reminder of the enduring need for compassion and community in an increasingly divided world.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, ZEITGEIST FILMS]

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