Just Stop Oil Documentary Exposes Abuse and Activism 2026

Just Stop Oil protesters face visceral hatred in a new documentary, We, the Hated, which goes behind the scenes of the climate group's disruptive campaigns. Filmmaker Rich Felgate captures the fury of drivers and the determination of activists, offering a raw look at one of the most polarizing movements in the UK.

What the Documentary Reveals

Filmed from inside the protests, We, the Hated shows activists blocking roads while furious drivers hurl abuse. "Have a wash you fucking idiots!" one shouts. "Middle class wankers!" another yells. The abuse often turns physical: punching, kicking, and dragging. One man appears to drive his van at protesters, while another pours water over their heads one by one.

Felgate's proximity to the action is personal—his girlfriend, Indigo Rumbelow, is an activist. At their shared home, books about the suffragettes and Gandhi line the shelves, hinting at the ideological roots of the movement. On the streets, activists glue themselves to roads and fasten their necks together with bike locks, tactics designed to maximize disruption.

The Strategy Behind the Disruption

Just Stop Oil's strategy is to stay disruptive and stay in the news. In October 2022, campaigners famously lobbed tomato soup at Van Gogh's Sunflowers, sparking widespread outrage. The group's spokespeople appear on TV in increasingly hostile interviews, arguing that the planet is in crisis and there is no time to lose. Critics like Piers Morgan tell them their message is lost in the chaos.

The documentary captures the tension between the urgency of the climate crisis and the public backlash against the methods. It also shows the diversity of the activists: not all are young. A vicar in late middle age with Parkinson's quickly takes his medicine before being handcuffed.

Why This Documentary Matters

We, the Hated is more than a portrait of a protest group; it's a mirror held up to society. The strength of feeling against Just Stop Oil is disturbing, but the film also forces viewers to confront the climate emergency that drives these actions. By showing both the abuse and the conviction, Felgate creates a nuanced picture that challenges simplistic narratives.

For those interested in the intersection of celebrity, activism, and public opinion, the film offers a compelling case study. It raises questions about the effectiveness of disruptive protest and the price activists pay for their convictions. The background to this story is set out in Prison Letters: Teen Writing to Jailed Climate Activists. A related thread runs through Jared Leto Abuse Allegations: BBC Documentary Exposes Dark. Earlier coverage in Amnesty Report Exposes Iran's Brutal Crackdown on Protesters shows how the argument developed.

Key Takeaways

• Just Stop Oil activists face verbal and physical abuse from the public.
• The documentary provides an insider's view of the group's disruptive tactics.
• Filmmaker Rich Felgate has a personal connection to the movement through his girlfriend.
• The film highlights the strategic goal of staying in the news to raise awareness.
• It captures the diverse backgrounds of activists, including a vicar with Parkinson's.

Comparing Protest Tactics

What to Watch Next

As climate activism continues to evolve, documentaries like We, the Hated offer valuable insights into the motivations and consequences of direct action. The film is a reminder that behind every protest is a human story, and that the fight for the planet is far from over. A closer look at the same subject appears in Australia Police Drop Charges Against 125 Climate Protesters. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Climate Hushing: Activists Push Democrats to Talk Climate Now. The same theme surfaces in Climate Hushing: Activists Push Democrats to Talk Climate Crisis, which takes a different angle.

For those following celebrity involvement in social causes, this documentary adds a layer to the conversation. It shows how public figures and ordinary citizens alike grapple with the urgency of climate change and the backlash it can provoke. Context on how this played out before sits in Climate Hushing: Why Activists Demand Democrats Speak Up. A companion piece, Climate Hushing: Activists Push Democrats to Speak Up on Crisis, approaches the same subject from another angle.