The short version
- The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival, focusing heavily on the band's successful 2025 comeback tour rather than the details of their long hiatus.
- While Liam Gallagher demonstrates a new level of professionalism and sobriety during rehearsals, the film avoids explaining what caused the initial split or how peace was restored.
- Critics note that although the concert footage effectively captures fan devotion, the narrative structure lacks depth after the initial reunion performance in Cardiff.
The documentary Don't Look Back In Anger, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival over the weekend, presents a sentimental portrait of Oasis's return to the stage. Directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace with a script by Steven Knight, the film focuses primarily on the band's 2025 comeback tour. While it captures the electric atmosphere of their performances and the profound impact on fans, it largely glosses over the complex history that led to the brothers' fifteen-year separation.
The narrative opens with a montage recalling the band's dominance in the 1990s, highlighting hits such as Wonderwall and Roll With It. It briefly touches upon the growing animosity between Noel and Liam Gallagher, culminating in their abrupt split backstage at a Paris concert in 2009. Archival footage shows a promoter canceling the show following a severe altercation, with contemporary reports describing the incident as seismic. However, the documentary does not explore the specific causes of the fight or the subsequent fallout.
Instead of delving into the reasons behind their estrangement or the process of reconciliation, the film transitions quickly to rehearsals for the new tour. A caption notes that the brothers did not speak for fifteen years, implying a miraculous healing without providing evidence or context. The footage reveals tension during these early sessions, with Liam Gallagher appearing irritable and complaining about studio equipment. Noel Gallagher expresses uncertainty about his brother's engagement, noting that they were unsure which version of Liam would show up.
Despite the initial friction, the documentary highlights a significant shift in Liam's demeanor. He has abstained from alcohol and cigarettes for the duration of the tour, emphasizing a need for respect toward the music. This newfound professionalism stands in stark contrast to his past behavior, which often included disruptive incidents. The film portrays this change as genuine, showing the band relaxing once Liam steps up to the microphone during rehearsals.
The emotional core of the documentary lies in its depiction of the fans' reactions. From Cardiff to Tokyo, the footage captures an overwhelming surge of affection and nostalgia. Attendees share personal stories, including one woman who named her dog after guitarist Bonehead and another who credited the band's music with helping her overcome depression. Noel Gallagher admits that the intensity of this response surprised him, acknowledging the gravity of what the band meant to their audience.
The reunion performance at Cardiff's Principality Stadium serves as a pivotal moment in the film. The brothers share a handshake before launching into Hello, triggering an explosive reaction from the crowd. The footage shows fans weeping and cheering, with some sinking to their knees during Slide Away. This section of the documentary is widely regarded as its strongest, effectively conveying the joy and relief felt by those who had waited years for the band to reunite.
However, the film's structure becomes problematic after this initial triumph. With the reunion already achieved early in the runtime, subsequent concert footage from Dublin, Manchester, Sao Paolo, New York, and Tokyo feels repetitive. The narrative lacks further development, leaving directors Southern and Lovelace with limited material to sustain interest. Critics argue that the movie fails to provide the depth expected of a biographical documentary, opting instead for a celebratory but shallow overview.
While the live performances are technically impressive, with impeccable mixing and strong vocal deliveries, the absence of deeper storytelling leaves questions unanswered. Viewers do not learn who initiated the rapprochement or how the reconciliation affected their families. The film succeeds in capturing the spectacle of the tour but falls short in exploring the human drama behind it. As rumors circulate about a potential second leg next year, the documentary remains a snapshot of a moment rather than a comprehensive account of the band's journey.
Ultimately, Don't Look Back In Anger serves as a tribute to Oasis's enduring legacy and their ability to connect with audiences after a long absence. It documents the success of the 2025 tour and the positive changes within the band, particularly Liam Gallagher's commitment to sobriety. Yet, by avoiding the hard truths of their past conflicts, it offers only a partial picture of one of rock music's most famous sibling duos.
The film leaves many aspects of the brothers' relationship unexplored, prioritizing the spectacle of live performance over narrative depth. While fans may appreciate the visual record of the reunion, those seeking insight into the resolution of their fifteen-year feud will likely find the documentary lacking. It stands as a celebratory but incomplete chronicle of Oasis's return to the global stage.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Emotional Oasis documentary glosses over the hard stuff
