The Old Oak

In a former mining community in Durham, The Old Oak pub is the last remaining social refuge for many of its regulars. Owner TJ is an active volunteer, helping local charities deliver supplies to families in need. When Syrian refugees arrive in town, TJ befriends Yara – a talented photographer and advocate for her fellow Syrians. However, TJ’s welcoming approach towards the new arrivals leads to tensions with some of his pub’s loyal patrons.

Ken Loach (I, Daniel Blake, Sorry We Missed You) directs this timely drama – his final film – that argues passionately in favour of social solidarity and inclusion. Loach and his regular screenwriter Paul Laverty refuse to tone down the complexity of the situations portrayed – for TJ, doing the right thing comes at great personal cost.