Surprised by Oxford Movie Review

The new movie Surprised by Oxford is based on Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir, an award winning book by Carolyn Weber. I was recently able to watch a screener of this new movie about life’s biggest question. Enter the giveaway below to win a Vimeo code to watch this new movie.

Surprised by Oxford

Synopsis: Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives at the University of Oxford with the goal of attaining her PhD. Through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.

Ever since she was a little girl, Caro, played by Rose Reid, wanted to earn a doctorate. Since her father abandoned her and her mother, Carolyn wasn’t sure she would even be able to attend college. But she received a scholarship , as long as she kept A’s in all classes for all 4 years. Wow, that was quite an accomplishment!

She was advised to apply to Oxford for post graduate studies in literature. She never dreamt that she would receive a full ride scholarship! So off she was to study in a country that she had never been to before.

Watch the Surprised by Oxford trailer!

Surprised by Oxford Movie Review

Caro was an agnostic when she arrived at Oxford. During her time there, she she had many conversations about faith with fellow students, and professors. Including a certain young man, Kent, played by Ruairí O’Connor. He was very religious, and they both knew they couldn’t get involved because of their differing beliefs.

Because of these conversations, and her own desire to fill the God shaped void in herself, Caro came to faith in God.

There is no defining moment of Caro’s coming to faith in this movie. Her faith grows slowly, conversation by conversation. Surprised by Oxford is not an overly religious movie. There is no mention of the Bible, no church services, no sermons, no songs. It’s definitely a different approach than the typical faith based movie. I felt like there was more time spent telling the story of Carolyn and Kent’s relationship than there was of Caro’s relationship with God.

One of my favorite quotes from the movie:

“I believe there is grace all around us. We just have to have the humility to admit we need it.” Provost Regina King played by Phyllis Logan, from Downton Abby fame.

Carolyn earned her doctorate in romantic literature, and later became the first female dean of St. Peter’s College. That certain young man, proposed on a hill overlooking the city of Oxford.

Today, Dr. Carolyn Weber is a mother of 4, a professor, and a celebrated author. She regularly speaks on the intersection of literature and faith.

Buy or rent Surprised by Oxford during the month of November!

For more information, visit the Surprised by Oxford website.