Oasis reunion tour documentary rocks Venice Film Festival

The Venice Film Festival witnessed a vibrant moment as Noel and Liam Gallagher unveiled their documentary “Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger,” chronicling the band’s celebrated reunion tour. The brothers, known for their turbulent history, arrived at the Lido with characteristic rock star presence, sparking excitement among fans and festival-goers alike.

This film offers an intimate portrayal that blends concert footage with a deep dive into the personal dynamics between the Gallagher siblings. Their long-standing feud, which led to Oasis’s dramatic breakup in 2009 following an onstage confrontation in Paris, forms a crucial backdrop to the narrative. The documentary captures the tension and eventual thawing of relations over the course of their 2025 reunion.

Oasis, a band that emerged from Manchester’s working-class roots in 1991, became one of the defining British rock acts of the 1990s. Their debut album, “Definitely Maybe,” released in 1994, quickly ascended to number one, while the follow-up, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?,” remains among the UK’s best-selling albums. Much of their iconic repertoire, including hits like “Wonderwall” and “Live Forever,” was penned by Noel Gallagher.

The film provides rare behind-the-scenes glimpses into rehearsals that reveal the lingering strains in the brothers’ relationship. Notably, it features what was their first joint interview in a quarter-century, capturing a moment of reconciliation. These candid scenes underscore the complexities that fueled both their creative synergy and their conflicts.

The 2025 reunion tour, which started in Cardiff, Wales, marked the end of a 16-year hiatus. The concerts drew overwhelming crowds, with over 60,000 attendees at the opening show alone. Despite skepticism rooted in past disruptions, the tour proceeded successfully, with former band members Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Joey Waronker joining onstage. Reviews highlighted the band’s enduring energy and the crowd’s enthusiastic sing-alongs to classic tracks such as “Supersonic” and “Roll With It.”

Director Steven Knight, who contributed to the documentary’s writing, emphasized the intent to explore the lasting impact of Oasis’s music across generations. The film seeks to understand why their songs continue to resonate, inspiring fervent fan devotion beyond the band's active years.

Filmmakers Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace conducted separate interviews with the Gallagher brothers before rehearsals and later captured their interactions during the tour, aiming to authentically depict the evolving relationship. The directors aimed to maintain a low profile during filming to preserve the natural atmosphere of rehearsals and live performances.

The documentary also highlights the global fan community surrounding Oasis, illustrating the band’s cultural reach. Anecdotes from fans around the world add personal dimensions to the story, reflecting how Oasis’s music has woven itself into diverse lives.

Following its Venice debut, “Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger” is scheduled for an IMAX release on September 11, 2026, courtesy of Disney. Later in the year, it will be available to stream on Disney+, broadening access to this exploration of reconciliation, legacy, and the power of music.

While the film delves into the personal and professional journey of the Gallagher brothers and their bandmates, further details about the documentary’s production and reception remain limited at this time.