‘Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger’ Review: An Uncharacteristically Polite and Sentimental Portrait of a Raucous Band and Phenomenon

The 2025 reunion of Oasis, the iconic Mancunian rock band, is the focal point of a new documentary directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the film offers a close look at the band's rehearsal process and live performances during this pivotal tour, while also addressing long-standing tensions between the Gallagher brothers.

Unlike the 2016 documentary "Supersonic," which charted Oasis’s rise but notably avoided the estrangement between Noel and Liam Gallagher, this new film confronts their fractured relationship head-on. Opening with footage from the 2015 Rock en Seine festival, where the brothers famously failed to appear on stage together, the documentary swiftly moves into the summer of 2025, capturing the band's six-week rehearsal period ahead of their reunion tour.

The atmosphere during rehearsals is charged with anticipation and uncertainty, as questions loom about whether the brothers' decades-old feud might reignite. However, the film refrains from showcasing any overt conflict, instead portraying a surprisingly professional and businesslike Liam, a departure from his usual onstage bravado. Both Gallaghers engage in candid interviews but maintain a composed and somewhat guarded demeanor throughout.

The documentary’s focus extends beyond interpersonal dynamics to spotlight the fervent fanbase that has sustained Oasis’s legacy. Concert footage reveals audiences passionately singing along, visibly moved and deeply connected to the music. This enthusiasm spans generations, with many fans under 30, suggesting the band's influence continues to resonate well beyond their 1990s heyday.

While the film touches briefly on the socio-political backdrop surrounding the 2025 tour—including national events such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic—it stops short of deeply analyzing how these factors might have fueled the widespread nostalgia driving Oasis’s renewed popularity. Instead, it emphasizes the communal and almost spiritual experience of the concerts, highlighting fans from across the globe who share personal stories of how Oasis’s music has impacted their lives.

One poignant narrative involves a survivor of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, who found comfort in Oasis's song "Don't Look Back in Anger" during a vigil. Her presence at the reunion shows symbolizes the band’s enduring emotional significance, though some critics argue that the inclusion of such segments feels somewhat contrived and interrupts the film’s flow.

The documentary’s tone is notably restrained and respectful, avoiding sensationalism or deep dives into the more contentious aspects of the brothers' relationship. This approach contrasts with the band’s typically irreverent public persona and leaves some viewers longing for a more unfiltered glimpse into their interactions. The film also underscores Oasis's working-class roots, but in a way that some perceive as overly sentimental, particularly given the high ticket prices that may limit access for their original fan demographic.

Despite these criticisms, the concert sequences benefit from high-quality sound design and dynamic editing, capturing the energy and scale of Oasis’s live performances. The film acknowledges the band’s commercial success but stops short of reveling in it, opting instead for a more measured celebration of their music and cultural impact.

Ultimately, this documentary serves as a document of a significant moment in Oasis’s history—their reunion after years of estrangement—and offers fans who could not attend the 2025 tour a chance to experience its emotional resonance. However, by steering clear of deeper exploration into the brothers' personal conflicts and broader societal implications, it presents a somewhat sanitized version of an event that was, in reality, charged with complexity and intensity.

Details regarding the film’s long-term reception and its impact on Oasis’s legacy remain limited as it embarks on its festival run. Nevertheless, the documentary contributes to the ongoing narrative of one of Britain’s most influential bands, capturing a unique chapter in their enduring story.