Surprised by Oxford

Surprised by Oxford
Directed by	Ryan Whitaker
Written by	Ryan Whitaker Carolyn Weber
Produced by	Ken Carpenter Jen Lewis
Starring	Rose Reid Ruairi O'Connor
Cinematography	Edd Lukas
Edited by	Zach Prichard
Music by	Nick Box
Production companies	Evolve Studios Nook Lane Entertainment Ascendant Fox Distinction Films Quite Quick Productions
Release date	October 8, 2022 (2022-10-08) (Heartland)
Running time	107 minutes
Countries	United States United Kingdom
Language	English

Surprised by Oxford is a 2022 British-American mystery romantic drama film written by Ryan Whitaker and Carolyn Weber, directed by Whitaker and starring Rose Reid and Ruairi O'Connor.

Plot

The film begins with Carolyn Drake (referred to as Caro), arriving at the University of Oxford for her graduate studies in literature. Caro, coming from a difficult and emotionally distant family background, has developed a fierce independence and a skeptical view of faith and religion. She’s determined to focus on her academic career and is portrayed as someone who places intellectual pursuits above personal or spiritual ones.

As Caro settles into her new environment, she meets Kent Webber, a charismatic and kind fellow student who is deeply committed to his Christian faith. Their first interaction is brief, but Kent immediately stands out due to his openness about his beliefs, something Caro finds strange yet intriguing. At this point, Caro is skeptical of religious discussions and dismisses them as irrelevant to her life.

Caro is invited by Kent to attend a philosophical and theological discussion group, which she reluctantly accepts. At the meeting, she encounters a diverse group of Oxford students who engage in debates about faith, reason, and life’s bigger questions. Caro remains distant, observing the conversations without participating much, but the questions posed stay with her. This is the first time she’s forced to confront ideas that challenge her agnosticism.

As time passes, Caro and Kent’s friendship deepens. They share several intellectual conversations about faith, literature, and life. Kent reveals more of his personal journey, and Caro is increasingly drawn to his open-hearted approach to life. Despite their differences, their bond grows, and Caro finds herself wrestling with thoughts of faith, especially as Kent’s kindness and patience stir something in her that she can’t quite explain.

A significant plot point occurs when Caro receives troubling news from home—her father, with whom she has a strained and complicated relationship, is seriously ill. This moment serves as a major emotional turning point for Caro. Though she has long distanced herself from her family, the news shakes her, and she struggles to cope with her emotions. Kent provides comfort and suggests she seek solace in faith, but Caro, while appreciative of his help, remains resistant.

In one of the film’s most emotional scenes, Caro confronts her deepest fears and doubts about life and meaning. She breaks down during a conversation with Kent, revealing her feelings of abandonment by both her father and by the world. Kent listens empathetically, encouraging her to question her assumptions about faith and inviting her to explore the possibility of a relationship with God. This scene marks a pivotal shift in Caro’s internal conflict, as she begins to open up to the idea that faith could offer her something she never considered: hope.

As Caro continues her studies at Oxford, she also embarks on a personal journey of spiritual exploration. She starts attending church services with Kent and his friends, although she still struggles with doubt. The film portrays Caro’s transformation as slow and deliberate—she engages with faith intellectually at first, reading scripture and attending debates, but her emotional barriers are harder to break down. Kent remains a steady presence throughout her journey, offering gentle support without pressuring her to convert.

Near the film’s climax, Caro receives word that her father has passed away. This event forces Caro to confront her unresolved feelings about her father and her own need for closure. In a heart-wrenching scene, she reflects on her father’s life and their complex relationship. In her grief, Caro finally allows herself to consider that faith could offer healing, both for her past wounds and her future.

In the film’s final act, Caro attends a church service alone, signifying that she is ready to take the next step in her spiritual journey. Though not all of her questions are answered, and her faith is still developing, Caro embraces a sense of peace that she hadn’t known before. Her internal transformation is complete—she now sees faith as a source of strength, rather than something irrelevant to her intellectual life.

The movie concludes with Caro and Kent sitting together in a peaceful, reflective moment. Their relationship is left open-ended—whether romantic or simply a deep friendship, the focus is on the spiritual connection they’ve shared throughout the story. Caro leaves Oxford a changed person, more open to life’s uncertainties and the possibility of faith guiding her future.

Cast

• Rose Reid as Caro Drake
• Ruairi O'Connor as Kent Webber
• Phyllis Logan as Provost Regina Knight
• Mark Williams as Professor Nuttham
• Simon Callow as Dr. Sterling

Production

Filming began in the University of Oxford in October 2021.

Release

The film premiered at the Heartland International Film Festival on October 8, 2022. Then it was released in theaters on September 27, 2023. Surprised by Oxford was released on digital platforms on December 1, 2023.

Reception

The film has a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on ten reviews. Nell Minow of RogerEbert.com awarded the film three stars. Bradley Gibson of Film Threat rated the film an 8 out of 10. Cath Clarke of The Guardian awarded the film two stars out of five.

External links

• Surprised by Oxford at IMDb
• Surprised by Oxford at Rotten Tomatoes