Surprised by Oxford Soundtrack: Surprised by Oxford is a 2022 British-American Christian romantic drama film about a young academic named Caroline Drake, also known as Caro, who discovers her love of reading. She received an academic scholarship to attend the University of Oxford for postgraduate studies. The film follows Caro’s journey as she pursues her doctoral degree at Oxford.
Brilliant but emotionally guarded, Caro Drake arrives at Oxford with the sole goal of earning her Ph.D., but through a turbulent friendship with an attractive young man, Caro begins to open herself up to secrets, vulnerability, and love. The film is based on the memoir by Carolyn Weber, who also co-wrote the screenplay with director Ryan Whitaker.
Additional Film Music of Surprised by Oxford (2023)
- Christmas Eve In My Home Town – Eddie Fisher: “Christmas Eve in My Home Town” is a song written by Stanley William Zabka and Donald Upton, performed by Eddie Fisher in a recording arranged by Hugo Winterhalter. It plays early in the film. The song runs about 3 minutes and 4 seconds.
- The Christmas I Remember – The Craig Gildner Sextet: This track is part of the “Crooner Holiday Favorite” album, released in 2016.
- Good Life – Palm City: This song was released in 2021 and its length is 3 minutes and 8 seconds.
- Go Get It – Jacob Steele: “Go Get It” is a song by Jacob Steele, released in 2021, with a length of 2 minutes and 10 seconds.
- Ubi Caritas – Poor Clare Sisters, Arundel: A choral piece performed by the Poor Clare Sisters of Arundel, used to underscore the film’s Oxford setting.
- If Only My Heart Could Speak – Cody Fry: “If Only My Heart Could Speak” is sung by Cody Fry and is part of the “Pictures of Mountains” album, released in 2021. It has a length of 3 minutes and 4 seconds.
Surprised by Oxford Soundtrack (Director of film)
Surprised by Oxford was written and directed by Ryan Whitaker, based on Carolyn Weber’s memoir of the same name. The film premiered at the Heartland International Film Festival on October 8, 2022, before a limited global theatrical release on September 27, 2023, followed by a digital release on December 1, 2023.
The cast of the movie Surprised by Oxford includes:
- Simon Callow as Dr. Sterling
- Rose Reid as Caro Drake
- Mark Williams as Professor Nuttham
- Phyllis Logan as Provost Regina Knight
- Ruairi O’Connor as Kent Weber
- Lourdes Faberes as Professor Rutledge
- Nicholas Aaron as Elton
- Michael Culkin as Professor McTeague
- Jordan Alexandra as Linnea
- Anabelle Holloway as Young Caro
- Nila Aalia as Vice Chancellor Kirke
- George Jaques as Bill
- Tim Matthews as Mounted policeman
- Emma Naomi as Hannah
- Dean Shortland as Charles Drake
- Tyler Merritt as Dr. Deveaux
- Karen Lewis-Attenborough as Agnes
- Olisa Odele as Fred
- Emily Dunlop as Ann Drake
- Louis Landau as Edward
- Katie Bellwood as Rachel
Quick Facts
| Title | Surprised by Oxford |
|---|---|
| Type | Film (Christian Romantic Drama) |
| Director | Ryan Whitaker |
| Cast | Rose Reid, Ruairi O’Connor, Phyllis Logan, Mark Williams |
| Theatrical Release | September 27, 2023 |
| Digital Release | December 1, 2023 |
Where to Stream
Surprised by Oxford had a limited theatrical run beginning September 27, 2023, followed by a digital release on December 1, 2023. For more films in theatrical and streaming release, browse the Movie Soundtrack hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Surprised by Oxford?
Ryan Whitaker directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Carolyn Weber, based on Weber’s memoir of the same name.
Who stars in Surprised by Oxford?
The film stars Rose Reid as Caro Drake and Ruairi O’Connor as Kent Weber, with Phyllis Logan, Mark Williams, and Simon Callow in supporting roles.
Is “Christmas Eve In My Home Town” really in Surprised by Oxford?
Yes. The Eddie Fisher recording of “Christmas Eve in My Home Town” plays early in the film, despite Surprised by Oxford not being a Christmas-themed movie overall.
When was Surprised by Oxford released?
It premiered at the Heartland International Film Festival on October 8, 2022, had a limited theatrical release on September 27, 2023, and arrived digitally on December 1, 2023.
Related Reading
For more romantic dramas and film scores, visit the Movie Soundtrack hub and browse what’s new on Streaming.