'We wanted to make a feelgood movie', say Oasis directors

The long-awaited reunion of Oasis, one of the most iconic British rock bands, takes center stage in the new documentary Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger. This film, directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace and written by Steven Knight, chronicles the band's return to the spotlight after a sixteen-year hiatus following their highly publicized split.

Unlike earlier documentaries that dwelt heavily on the band's turbulent past, this new film adopts a markedly optimistic tone. The directors set out to craft a feelgood narrative that emphasizes the band's effort to mend fractured relationships, particularly between frontmen Liam and Noel Gallagher, and to reclaim their musical legacy.

Shot in stunning IMAX format, the documentary follows Oasis on their 2022 world tour, capturing performances across three continents, including a notable two-night stint at Dublin's Croke Park. The film delves into the dynamics behind the scenes during rehearsals and concerts, illustrating the complex reconciliation between the Gallagher brothers. While tension remains palpable during the preparation phase, the documentary reveals a gradual thawing of hostilities that culminates in moments of genuine connection on stage.

The directors highlight the disciplined approach the band members adopted for this comeback. Liam Gallagher, in particular, is depicted as deeply committed to delivering authentic performances, adopting a regimen akin to an athlete preparing for a major competition. This dedication marked a departure from the band's earlier, more hedonistic days, signaling a mature focus on the quality and impact of their live shows.

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger balances concert footage with candid glimpses into the emotional landscape surrounding the reunion. Notably, the film captures the charged atmosphere backstage at the band’s first reunion show at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, where nerves and anticipation ran high. The overwhelming response from fans proved a turning point, especially for Noel Gallagher, whose apprehensions gave way to renewed enthusiasm.

Central to the documentary is the power of music as a catalyst for forgiveness and healing. The film emphasizes how the energy from Oasis fans played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Gallagher brothers, allowing them to focus on their shared history and the collective experience of performing.

The film features extensive coverage of the Dublin performances, where the band’s connection with the audience reached a peak. The Irish crowds’ distinctive energy and participation are portrayed as pivotal to the emotional resonance of these concerts, with moments that visibly moved both band members and fans alike.

Despite depicting the intensity of the tour, the documentary largely omits post-concert revelries, reflecting the band’s changed lifestyle and the seriousness with which they approached this reunion. The focus remains on the music and the gradual rebuilding of trust between Liam and Noel.

Though the Gallagher brothers were shown the final edit, they exercised minimal input over the documentary’s narrative direction, allowing the filmmakers to present an unvarnished account of the reunion. This approach preserves the authenticity of their story, avoiding a sanitized or overly controlled depiction.

With Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger now available in cinemas and on streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, audiences worldwide can witness a chapter in the band’s history that turns away from past conflicts to celebrate resilience, shared passion, and the enduring power of live music.

Whether this documentary will be followed by further cinematic explorations of Oasis’s future endeavors remains uncertain. For now, it offers a compelling portrayal of a band whose legacy continues to evolve through reconciliation and artistic renewal.