PG-13Streaming on Angel Guild

Surprised by Oxford

One choice can change everything.

2023 • 107 min • Romance · Drama

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Synopsis

Brilliant but emotionally-guarded Caro Drake arrives in Oxford with the singular goal of attaining her PhD, but through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man she starts to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

34 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 61%
61 Audience · 33 · 39%

Caro, a driven scholar, arrives at Oxford focused solely on her PhD. A complicated friendship with a charming young man challenges her guarded nature, leading her to discover vulnerability, mystery, and love. It’s a heartfelt drama about opening up to life's unexpected paths.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 2/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 2/10
Romance & sensuality: 3/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Some moments of emotional intensity
Discussions about existential and faith-related questions
Brief references to past emotional pain

What it models well

Personal growth and self-discovery
Opening up to new experiences
The value of friendship and love
Pursuit of intellectual goals

Talk about it after

Balancing ambition with personal connection
Overcoming emotional barriers
The role of faith and spirituality in life
Defining love and commitment

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Surprised by Oxford. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Free

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Free with ads

The Roku Channel
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YouTube Free
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Top billed cast

Director: Ryan Whitaker • Crew: Ryan Whitaker

Trailers & clips

Behind the Scenes: The Making of Surprised by Oxford

Mark Williams Exclusive

Phyllis Logan Exclusive

Behind the Story with Annie F. Downs

Welcome to Oxford

Dr. Deveaux

Surprised by Joy

Professor Nuttham

Reviewer notes

Recommended
Caro Drake (Rose Reid) is a typically dedicated student who arrives at Oxford University, on a scholarship, determined to succeed, make her family proud and leave with her PhD. She's naturally quite shy and reserved but is no shrinking violet - useful, as her charismatic neighbour is Edward (Louis Landau) - and he's a bit of a Lothario. Caro does make a few friends and finds, largely despite herself, that she is d...
Geronimo1967, TMDB Community