Documentary on Oasis captures reunion tour’s essence
The new documentary Don’t Look Back in Anger premieres, showcasing the phenomenon of Oasis’s reunion tour, celebrated as a milestone in British music history. Directed by Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, the film captures the fans’ euphoria and unity during concerts in 2025, reports BritPanorama.
Spanning locations from Brazil to Argentina and South Korea, Knight highlights young fans who embrace the band’s decades-old songs, showcasing Oasis’s enduring global influence. The documentary underlines their cultural significance, portraying them as a band uniquely connected to the public.
However, despite its focus on their reunion, key questions about the band’s split remain unresolved. The film revisits their rise in the 1990s and dramatic disbandment, including the infamous 2009 altercation in Paris, yet offers scant insight into the preceding years or the reconciliation process that preceded the tour.
The rehearsal footage reveals tension between band members, particularly during crucial moments as Liam Gallagher enters the rehearsal space, setting a tone of discord. Noel Gallagher’s comments underscore their complex dynamic, with his concerns about Liam’s enjoyment of the process. Yet, critical elements of their relationship’s deterioration and subsequent healing are notably absent, which hampers the narrative.
While the theme of forgiveness is central, the film lacks clarity on Noel’s transformation from resentment to reconciliation, raising questions about the motivations behind their reunion. Comments on tour-related controversies, including the dynamic ticket pricing issue, receive only cursory treatment, omitting broader discussions that fans might expect.
Despite these shortcomings, the documentary does showcase the brothers’ renewed bond. Their joint interviews capture heartfelt moments as they reflect on their changed relationship, with Noel acknowledging his brother’s contributions to their music and calling him “delightful,” a term he previously reserved for his younger sibling with reluctance.
Liam openly praises Noel, expressing admiration for his songwriting, while also presenting a more composed persona since the tour’s inception. Yet, he retains his characteristic humour and wit, particularly during interviews where he offers his unique perspectives on fame and performance.
Throughout the film, Noel exhibits an unexpected vulnerability, sharing his anxieties regarding their live performances and the profound connection felt with fans. His struggles to articulate Oasis’s cultural impact reveal a deeper complexity in the band’s legacy that remains contentious in the public eye.
Ultimately, Don’t Look Back in Anger presents exhilarating concert footage alongside a narrative that embraces the joy of collective experience, even as it leaves several difficult questions unanswered. The documentary serves as an invitation to enjoy the moment, perhaps deferring unresolved issues for another time.
‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ is in cinemas now.
