‘Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger’ Review: Rock Doc Could Turn Agnostics Into Believers

The storied saga of Oasis, long defined by their meteoric rise and fractious split, takes a fresh turn in the upcoming documentary ‘Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger.’ Set to debut in cinemas and select IMAX theaters on September 11 before streaming later on Disney+ and Hulu, the film offers an immersive look at the band’s long-anticipated reunion tour slated for 2025.

Directors Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern frame the narrative around brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, whose personal and professional rift has been a defining element of Oasis’s history. While the documentary does not delve deeply into the details of their 2009 fallout or the intricacies of their recent reconciliation, it instead prioritizes the emotional resonance of their music and the collective energy surrounding their revival.

The film opens by chronicling the logistical challenge of reuniting the band, emphasizing the palpable tension and anticipation as the members regroup to rehearse. Notably, the absence of Liam at the outset is captured poignantly, with shots that underscore the wait for the notoriously unpredictable frontman. This approach sets the tone, presenting the reunion as a process as much about personal dynamics as musical performance.

Each leg of the tour explored in the documentary serves a distinct thematic purpose. The kickoff concert in Cardiff vibrantly encapsulates the exhilaration of Oasis returning to the stage after years apart, highlighted by the electrifying impact of their opening track. The band’s return to Manchester, their hometown, shifts focus to their roots and cultural origins, enriched by heartfelt interactions with local fans.

Further tour stops reveal additional layers: Dublin highlights Liam’s reflections on their Irish heritage, conveyed through candid voiceovers that capture his conversational style. The Brazil segment introduces viewers to Oasis’s expanding global fanbase, featuring devoted supporters of guitarist Bonehead, which illustrates the band’s far-reaching influence beyond the UK.

However, as the tour progresses to locations such as South Korea, Argentina, and the United States, the documentary transitions into a more conventional concert film format, concentrating on live performances with less narrative depth. Despite this, the powerful sound design and crowd immersion elevate the viewing experience, making even those unfamiliar with Oasis feel the intensity of the shows.

A notable shift occurs late in the film, where the focus turns inward to the Gallagher brothers’ relationship. This intimate portrayal humanizes the iconic musicians, moving beyond their public personas to reveal the underlying familial bond that fuels the reunion. This personal angle provides a counterbalance to the high-energy performances, underscoring the emotional stakes of their collaboration.

The film also consciously limits extensive commentary from fans, opting instead to let the music and shared concert moments convey the band’s cultural impact. By featuring a handful of fans whose personal stories preface certain performances, the documentary connects the audience emotionally without over-explaining the band’s significance.

Throughout, the use of slow-motion sequences during key performances elevates the Gallaghers without distancing them from their everyman appeal, reinforcing why their music resonates so deeply with listeners. ‘Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger’ thus serves as both a celebration of their artistic legacy and a testament to the enduring power of reconciliation through music, marking a new chapter for one of Britpop’s most legendary acts.