Eighty-seven year old filmmaker Ken Loach takes his final bow with 'The Old Oak', a compelling drama about a fading English pub in a struggling town called Durham. With its honest, heartfelt, and thoughtful narrative, the film serves as Loach's farewell, encapsulating elements from his best work.
Loach's films often feature locals gathering in shared public spaces to discuss issues affecting them all. In 'The Old Oak', the pub owned by TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner), becomes this space. TJ, a tough yet good-hearted man, also runs a local charity with his wife Laura (Claire Rodgerson) which provides secondhand household goods to Syrian refugees. Despite this, TJ is disheartened by his regular patrons who blame these immigrants for economic decline, a problem predating their arrival.
The narrative evolves around the relationship between TJ and a young Syrian refugee Yara (Ebla Mari), a budding photojournalist who documents her family's trials. Despite initial prejudice and resentment, their bond brings the town together, highlighting the weight of the past, and the mercurial nature of the present.
Loach's regular collaborator, screenwriter Paul Laverty, breathes life into characters that are representative of certain personas, yet feel like real people. They skillfully explore the conflict between locals who blame immigrants for economic decline and those who, like TJ and Laura, are understanding and accommodating.
The story draws attention to the decline of collective community values compared to the ruthless capitalism. It introduces a spiritual dimension emphasizing the moral responsibility to help the less fortunate, as seen in the growing support for the refugees in Durham.
The film captures stark realities of daily life, focusing on the interaction between individuals and communities rather than sugarcoating the narrative. It portrays an honest depiction of life and despite its somewhat bitter moments, 'The Old Oak' leaves viewers with a sliver of hope for a brighter future.
