The Old Oak (15)

★★★ "A northern pub landlord confronts locals’ hostility towards Syrian immigrants in Loach’s latest – and possibly last – piece of politically trenchant cinema." ~ The Guardian.

The latest film to be directed by BAFTA winner Ken Loach, written by BAFTA winner Paul Laverty and produced by BAFTA winner Rebecca O’Brien, all of whom continue their long-time collaboration following acclaimed films including Looking For Eric, Sorry We Missed You and I, Daniel Blake.

The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline.

TJ Ballantyne the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice.

In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.