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This film keeps touching on some fairly powerful possibilities but then presents them in such an allusive way that the sudden bursts of emotion or reference to strong feelings and dilemmas come a bit out of nowhere. The protagonist is a pretty unique person and has a strong back story, but her interactions with her love interest hover between predictable and unmotivated and what is apparently meant to be a spiritual crisis seems like dilettantism more than profound exploration. Never mind that her main crisis here makes no particular sense given the unanchored quality of both her romantic and her spiritual questings. Really, the best part of the film is glimpses of Oxford and the excellent older British character actors playing the dons.

I did not know anything about this film, I turned up, it had an intro by the writer of the book it's based on - Carolyn Weber, and the producer too. And I have to admit, this film is rather good. The intro goes on about it being a romance film, which it sort of is, but really goes into the lead character- Carolyn's life from a child in America and the years at Oxford, England.

Roes Reid is brilliant as Carolyn, who struggles with study, a strange romance and if she is a religious person, after meeting Kent Weber, played with proper conviction, by Ruairi O'Connor. He is a very religious person and his views and others make Carolyn, really question her life and what she really wants and what she thinks of others.

Oxford looks really nice, the direction by Ryan Whitaker is spot on, capturing the background of Oxford, along with the cast which has star turns from Simon Callow, Jordan Alexandra, Emma Naomi, a very memorable Lourdes Faberes, and the splendid Phyllis logan, who is quite changeable and starts off as very stiff, but really is a driving force too.

I give this 7.5 /10 as I was Surprised by Oxford. But I don't think I'd want to study or work there though..

I enjoyed the book so I was anxious to see the movie, but disappointed. In the book, among Oxford erudites, Caro learned there is more to life than the education of man, God and Jesus. The movie is more about her relationship with the man she falls in love with. I does give one a good perspective of Oxford which seems to have a culture if its own in 37 or 38 colleges. That was interesting and informative.

Admission was more than twice the price of regular admission and may have accounted for just 4 people in the theatre when I went.

I am sending the book to others. See the movie for the scenery.

This movie is based on a memoire of her life by Caro Weber who was born in the 1970s, so being a college age student the story would have taken place in the 1990s. The main character in this movie is Caro Drake. Some of it was filmed in Nashville but most of it in Oxford, England.

Caro is a very serious student who always seems to be more prepared than the other students, even in middle school. When philosophical concepts arise in the classroom she is never shy to challenge the teacher. When she is graduating she is surprised with a full-ride scholarship to Oxford, she plans to get her PhD in Early English Literature.

She quickly encounters an American student there (played well by an Irish actor) and he takes a keen interest in her. She is different from the other female students, her efforts to get rid of his attention only seems to energize him more.

Not a lot happens in this movie, the more interesting scenes are philosophical exchanges, some with other students, some with professors or administrators. All the while Caro is trying to sort ot her confusion about what is really important in life. There is a mild faith element but it isn't pushed, mainly to put your faith forward, believe in things, figure out what your life is about.

My wife and I watched it at home, streaming. We enjoyed it but it is not a candidate for a re-watch.

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!

I struggled to get through this movie. Reviews and critiques about literature are highly subjective so writing an entire movie around the concept is frustrating to be honest with you. I never felt the main character, Caro, ever really got there...wherever THAT is. Learning to love? Learning to trust? Who knows. She was so mired in her own issues, projecting her problems on to everyone else including the staff at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and toying with her future mate that so much was left to be desired. By the end I could have cared less if they ended up together or not. She was lucky to get him with her tantrums and expectations. I can never get back the time I put into watching this movie. The only thing that was worthy of turning this dribble on were the beautiful scenes of Oxford. Other than that, don't waste your time.

Set against the historical and opulent backdrop of Oxford University, 'Surprised by Oxford' delves into the intricacies of the human soul-its yearnings for connection, love, and faith. Based on a true story, Caro Drake's pursuit for intellectual achievement transforms into a poignant exploration of the heart and mind.

I enjoyed every second of this film, from the gorgeous settings to the brilliantly displayed journey of faith. It displays a cinematic yet realistic view of the struggles of the mind and heart as they lean into the complexities of faith.

With an excellent balance of push and pull, strength and vulnerability, restraint and release, Caro's story stole my heart. She is such a unique character. The dynamics of her friendships, especially with Kent, and the way they evolve despite differences in beliefs moves me.

This film offers my first introduction to Rose Reid, who portrays Caro, and Ruairi O'Conner (Kent.) Both actors give remarkable performances and exude genuineness and believability. For that matter, the entire cast are exceptionally talented.

I appreciate the incorporation of spiritual elements through the works of literary scholars, such as C. S. Lewis. This integration of academia and spirituality builds wisdom, faith, love, and acceptance into a path of self-discovery.

I highly recommend this smart, witty, heartwarming, and soul-satisfying film. I loved it.

"The strength you speak of... perhaps you're looking for it in the wrong place." - Favorite quote from the film.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

This is the worst movie I've seen in years. The only positive aspect is the setting and cinematography.

Girl goes to Oxford; pretentious people talk about literature to impress one another; girl flip-flops between b*tch and wallflower yet somehow everyone adores her. Despite no romance or chemistry, she wakes up one random day hopelessly in love with the man she's shunned for a year.

There. Now that you've read my summary, there's no need to watch the movie because the film offers no further character development, insight into humanity, nor entertainment. Whatever philosophical or theological discussions the book might contain have not been well represented on film.

I did not know anything about the film or the book - friends invited me.

Absorbing film about an American grad student's intellectual, emotional, philosophical and spiritual maturation and change while at Oxford.

Great Oxford scene-scape, engaging leads Rose Reid and Ruari O'Connor and wonderful to see British actors such as Phyllis Logan, Simon Callow and Ed Stoppard in supporting roles.

I think the film could have benefited from additional short scenes marveling the beauty of Anglican churches, choir music as well as moments of introspection by Carolyn.

Apparently the film has been categorized as a Christian film but we did not feel that it was very religious - actually the film raises universal themes of community, connection and purpose.

We are regular movie-goers - and baffled that there was no publicity for this film and that it apparently was only screened for two days. Surprised by Oxford deserves a regular theatrical run and more/more targeted publicity.

This movie was... weird. It seemed to have promise with the premise of "girl finds herself abroad," but it just didn't land. It very confusingly seemed to have a religious undertone that never explained herself-did she end up believing in God? We never found out even though the majority of the movie seemed to lead to the possibility. The main character was simply NOT likable, not nice, not interesting and her outfits were so boring. I also found the constant debating of what classic writers meant very aggravating. They didn't sound smart, they sounded full of themselves. The guy was likable and I honestly just wanted him to meet someone else.

Having read the book I was disappointed the movie was more about the love story than it was about the conversion the author experienced. The focus of the book was the author's conversion. The love story was a minor part. I felt the conversion story in the movie was almost non existent, and it felt like they were actually trying to downplay it. The acting was very good, and it was great to see some of my favorite British actors. The cinematography and scenery was beautiful as well as the music. It should have been a love story for Jesus not TDH. It was almost confusing to understand what point the movie was trying to make when compared to the clear message of the book.

Carolyn was an agnostic when she first went to Oxford. She learned, however, over time there, that faith and intellect are not oppositional, antithetical, or contradictory. As she experienced longing to be fully known, which no human could satisfy, God pursued her as He had C. S. Lewis. As she resisted faith, finding it inconvenient and an impediment to her longing, she, like C. S. Lewis, was a most reluctant convert. Like C. S. Lewis, she found that real life and God were in paradoxes, as we see throughout the Bible and the life of Christ. She learned that paradoxes are only seeming contradictions. She found that faith and intellect can coexist richly. She found that God could fulfill her longing to be fully known. This is a good movie for those interested in how faith and intellect can be "held in the same hand," as Carolyn learned.

What I enjoyed most about this film is the setting - Oxford. The closer look at academia and the passions some students and professors have for English literature were special to me because I taught English to high schoolers. Seeing the haughty attitudes of several professors made me wonder if the pursuit of knowledge is all it's touted to be. The group dialogues beau between students and professors were interesting because you had to listen carefully to follow all of them - and then you wanted to think about whether you agreed or disagreed and with whom. Several times I questioned whether the main character's reactions to her pursuer were justified, but I admired his persistence (and his humility in letting her find her way into belief). I'll watch this several times more just for the scenery!

Phyllis Logan was great in this and her make-up and wardrobe were very good.

Most of the wardrobe and personalties were not up to par with academia and students of the level required of this institution. It was missing the charm, whit and intellect to entice me into believing in the characters. The lead couple were not charismatic and it ended up making the girl look like she was a dumb American. People seem to forget that the founders of America were British long before they were American.

This had promise, but was missing the depth required to be a hit and the character development to make it heartwarming or inspirational.

This unfortunately is one of those films that had good intentions but the depth of the book/ memoir of converting an atheist book nerd into a Christian is lacking and the TDH focus is almost a demeaning detriment to the story.

The two leads sort of have some chemistry towards the end but it's a hard pill to swallow especially with the terrible Harry Potter wardrobe mixed with terrible outfits for Caro and the hairstylist was all over the place.

The best part is the Oxford scenery yet the supporting charade quite shallow so the romantic part falls flat to the point that one almost wishes they do not end up together plus what man would put up with her fathomable endless tantrums.

The literature vs God elements are lightly brushed upon but are not deep enough to truly believe the Caro character would convert not only to God but more so like the book to Christianity / Jesus. It's a poorly executed adaptation.

However it would have been more interesting if the CS Lewis elements were more pronounced instead of the silly TDH ( tall dark and handsome).

Most might enjoy that the religious faith elements are only a minor part but unfortunately it creates an unfulfilling journey of confusion rather than passion and inner spiritual journey which the book accomplishes to a greater extent.

The ending is quite shocking in a bad way because it's not realistic especially when one reads what transpires in the future. The film feels more like a big question mark of a cross of a Lifetime movie mixed with wannabe be Faith movie.

Go in with low expectations and maybe the film might inspire a trip to see Oxford.

5 stars for Oxford scenes.

IN A NUTSHELL: The idea is lovely but what makes it better is that it's based on a true story. Carolyn Weber shared her memories in the biographical novel of the same name.

The film was directed by Ryan Whitaker, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Carolyn Weber.

THINGS I LIKED: The cast includes the handsome couple Rose Reid and Ruairi O'Connor, as well as Phyllis Logan, Lourdes Faberes, Michael Culkin, Mark Williams, Ed Stoppard, and more. Everyone did an outstanding job.

I love that Rose Reid's character knew she wanted to get a doctoral degree when she was a young girl. I did too! My doctoral degree is in Management and Leadership.

The dialogue is inspirational, entertaining, and extremely insightful.

We get to learn about and visit Oxford University in England. I got to go there a few years ago for the first time. You kind of feel smarter just being there. The movie tells us it's 400 years older than the United States. I love the UK and have been there many times. Add it to your Travel Bucket List!

We also get to learn a little bit about the Romantic period of English literature a little bit. Hopefully, the movie will inspire you to crack a book and disappear in the beautiful language.

The movie features a book called Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis. Have you ever read it? Another good one I like by him is Mere Christianity.

While the movie addresses faith, it definitely doesn't feel preachy. It doesn't feel like a Christian film because it's much more elevated, intellectual, and classy. While I haven't read the book, I've heard that the conversion of the author played a much bigger role in the story and the romance was just a small part. The reverse is true in this movie.

While I was a student, I took some classes where there were only a handful of other students in it, as portrayed in this film. Needless to say, it's hard to fall asleep in class in that kind of situation! It was touching to see professors who took genuine care of their students. I currently teach at a university and a local college where I try to do the same. Like the film shows, one good teacher can make all of the difference in a young student's life.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: We don't get to see the moment where the leading couple met in a pub. We just suddenly see her drunk and talking nonstop to him. What a missed opportunity.

The quick, mean-spirited banter got annoying quickly.

Have you ever met a guy who would take that much verbal abuse and dismissal from a girl and yet still keep going after her? His persistence seemed so unrealistic.

So many of the characters are pompous and arrogantly impressed with their own genius and self-importance.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids will be extremely bored and not understand a lot of the dialogue.

Lots of alcohol and some drunkenness Talk of chastity and intimate, premarital relations.

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Do yourself a favor and rewatch any movie you like than waste your time with this drivel. So it's based on a memoir but unfortunately the main characters life was not interesting enough to have a movie about it. Basically about a smart woman that goes to Oxford to study the romantic writers. And even though she lacks a personality, everyone seems to like her anyway. Especially a cute guy at her school. It tries to talk about religion but it just comes across as preachy. And the arguing about the authors didn't sound smart, just arguing to make themselves seem smart. The author should take a note from Robin Williams in good will hunting; u can be really smart but unless you've actually gone out and lived life, your opinion doesn't really matter.

I have not read Mrs. Weber's book but from looking at the description and accolades the story is about her coming to faith in Jesus Christ. This movie does not talk about this. It just depicts a very bright, rebellious and defensive girl who has a hard time building relationships. The only time Jesus is talked about or depicted is when the young protagonist looks at a painting of Jesus knocking on a door that has no handle on the outside. Angel Pictures has wholesome movies but they always shy away from speaking the truth about the saving power of God through the belief in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, the sacrifice He made on the cross and His resurrection on the third day for those who believe in His amazing love for us.

However this movie did peak my interest in the book and now I must read it.

On paper this looks great, a cast of fairly high profile British actors, the backdrop of Oxford's architecture and decent cinematography. But the story is just slow and boring. Then throw in the religious element. It's essentially just one of those cheap US religious films with a bigger budget. If it hadn't been for the religious element I doubt it would have got funding, at best it might have ended up as a Hallmark movie. But it's clearly just designed to appeal to a certain audience, perhaps as a back door promotion video for Christianity. If you're a devout christian you might well love it, but for me it was too dull to even finish.

Do not go thinking this is a substantial movie ...it isn't ..but it is a really enjoyable couple of hours telling some interlinked themes ..a really naive american visiting Oxford and its magic on a journey to maturity: an evolving tortuous love story between the very priggish lead character and another student who is far too nice for her but is infatuated : and a confliction in the lead character's mind about embracing life and/or religious belief . The film is based on a memoir by Carolyn Weber who came to Oxford in the early 1990's and the production has done a good job of recreating that era which has been mostly destroyed . The acting encompassing young relative newcomers and cameos from legendary english actors is exemplary .The music is beautifully chosen and sets the mood . Well worth seeing.

A shallow and cliché-ridden impression of a British academic institution. Nice shots of the buildings but that's all it had to recommend it. No attempt to get beyond sweeping caricatures of academic life.

It was the standard fare I have become used to from American films.

I managed to watch just over half of it and became so irritated by the silly posturing of the main characters that I decided to switch it off.

"Surprised by Oxford" tells the experience at the famous British University of Caro Drake, portrayed by Rose Reid. It's her journey to faith and love during her MA's years, studying the Romantics. It's actually based on a true story, and it shows quite well how is Oxford, its mixture of antique and modern styles and how some of the people working there are.

This film is really fascinating and deep, but it feels unreachable or at least unfinished: I guess it's a life story, so it has to be this way for a certain degree. Still, it's bittersweet, it doesn't really have a "revelation" moment, it's intended as a tale of a spiritual journey.

One thing I believe makes the movie work well is the cast: the Brits are amazing per usual, but also Rose is fantastic! I saw some other films of her and she always does a tremendous job; I hope to see more from her in the future, this is the new healthier generation of actors who are the future of movies, we need them so much!

7.6 stars.

I immediately see why this film got so many low ratings. I also see why so many loved it. I am on the positive side, although I don't love it, per se. It is refreshing and honest, and that's what I like. When a movie is honest and visceral like this one, we can experience authenticity through the looking glass.

This is the story of a gifted girl, who goes to Oxford to obtain her doctorate in literature. At first, it seems like she is a savant, extremely intelligent, very quick witted, yet well rounded. But we learn that this is only partially true.

Soon we see her at Oxford, trying to get acquainted with European people, one man in particular (who happens to be American). She has a circle of female friends, they all get along very well. It's quite nice to watch them interact. But she is obviously frustrated with this one man. We don't really understand why she dislikes him so, but it's quite exasperating to watch her treat him so poorly for so long. This is the clincher and exactly why so many people do not like this film. She is very convincingly an uppity and profoundly sarcastic and bitter girl when it comes to this one boy. As more and more insulting and childish behavior piles up, the film becomes somewhat burdensome to watch. However, if you can look past her insecurities and see the fragile and wounded girl, maybe you will enjoy this movie as I have. It's bittersweet, but necessary when an actress is too convincing at a role such as this.