A new documentary examining the climate activist group Just Stop Oil reveals the intense hostility its members face while staging protests. The film, titled We, the Hated, captures scenes of aggressive confrontations between drivers and activists, shedding light on the emotional toll of direct action campaigns aimed at drawing attention to climate change.
Filmed from inside the protests, the documentary shows activists gluing themselves to roads and fastening their necks together with bike locks, while furious drivers hurl abuse and in some cases resort to physical violence. Despite this backlash, the activists remain committed to their cause, driven by a belief that drastic measures are necessary to protect the planet.
KEY FACTS
- Just Stop Oil protesters are shown facing aggressive confrontations in a new documentary.
- The film captures activists gluing themselves to roads and linking themselves with bike locks.
- Drivers are seen hurling abuse and engaging in physical confrontations with protesters.
- The documentary is titled We, the Hated and focuses on the group’s tactics.
- Activists include individuals of varying ages, including a vicar with Parkinson’s who participates despite health challenges.
What happens during the protests?
In the documentary, filmmaker Rich Felgate films from inside the protests, offering an intimate perspective on how Just Stop Oil activists carry out their actions. Scenes depict activists blocking roads by gluing themselves in place and using bike locks to secure themselves together, making removal difficult. These tactics are designed to draw public and media attention to their environmental message. However, the response from some members of the public is swift and hostile. Drivers are captured shouting insults and, in several instances, physically assaulting the protesters. One scene shows a driver attempting to drive a van into the group, while another depicts a man pouring water over activists one by one. Fastened to the road, these individuals endure verbal abuse and physical aggression without retaliating. The filmmaker’s close proximity to the action—his girlfriend is an activist—allows for an unfiltered look at both the strategies of the group and the raw reactions they provoke.
Who is affected by the protests?
The documentary portrays a wide range of people impacted by the Just Stop Oil protests. Activists themselves come from diverse backgrounds, challenging stereotypes about who engages in climate activism. One notable figure is a vicar in late middle age living with Parkinson’s disease, who is shown taking his medication before being arrested—a moment underscoring the personal sacrifices involved. On the other side are drivers and bystanders who express frustration and anger at the disruptions. Their reactions vary from shouted insults to physical confrontation, illustrating the deep divisions within public opinion around climate activism. These dynamics highlight the human cost on both sides, as activists risk injury and arrest while ordinary citizens face delays and inconvenience in their daily routines.
Why this matters in the broader climate debate
This documentary emerges at a time when climate-related protests are increasingly polarizing public opinion. As environmental concerns mount globally, groups like Just Stop Oil are employing more disruptive tactics to push governments and institutions toward urgent action. The footage serves as a reminder of the personal risks activists take and the intense backlash they face. It also raises questions about the effectiveness and ethics of civil disobedience in shaping policy. While many credit such movements for keeping climate issues in the spotlight, others criticize them as counterproductive or undemocratic. The visibility of these confrontations continues to fuel debates over how best to address the climate crisis.
WHAT WE KNOW / WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- The documentary is titled We, the Hated.
- It films inside Just Stop Oil protests, showing road blockades.
- Activists use glue and bike locks to attach themselves to roads.
- Public reactions include verbal abuse and physical violence.
- A vicar with Parkinson’s participates in the protests.
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact broadcast date or platform for the documentary release.
- Whether all confrontations were captured legally or consensually.
- The total number of activists involved in the filmed protests.
- Official responses from Just Stop Oil leadership regarding the film.
WHY IT MATTERS
This documentary arrives amid growing scrutiny of protest movements and their methods. With governments under pressure to meet climate targets, understanding the realities faced by activists—and the resistance they encounter—offers insight into the broader struggle between civic engagement and public pushback. It also reflects ongoing tensions about civil disobedience, free speech, and the role of disruption in democratic societies.
WHAT TO WATCH
As climate activism evolves, further documentaries and media coverage may shape how the public perceives groups like Just Stop Oil. Observers will be watching how future protests unfold and whether public sentiment shifts toward greater acceptance of direct action.
Meta description: A new documentary titled We, the Hated explores the intense backlash faced by Just Stop Oil protesters during climate demonstrations, revealing confrontations and commitment.