Netflix’s rom-com isn’t only about two lovers but about fate, grief, choices, and the power of acceptance.
Light-hearted moments? Check. Poetic performances? Check. Stunning visuals of Oxford University? Check. There are many things Netflix’s romantic comedy-drama “My Oxford Year” gets right — especially using poetry as a medium to share reflective truths about love and life.
Before clicking play, the initial thought — Here we go — is inevitable. It can’t be more than another rom-com where everything is predictable. However, “My Oxford Year” surprises viewers in the end not necessarily with its plot twists but with its emotional honesty. Every word lingers, making viewers question their perception of life.
The plot follows Anna De La Vega (Sofia Carson), a postgraduate American student who travels to Oxford University to study Literature for a year and fulfil her childhood dream. On her first day, she gets splashed by Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest of “Bridgerton”) in his car. Later, she discovers he will be replacing Professor Styan (Barunka O’Shaughnessy) as a teacher for one of her classes.
The two start off mocking each other but soon spend a fun night together, including Anna’s first visit to a pub. When Anna makes a move, Jamie seemingly rejects her. Determined to make him jealous, she gradually falls into a ‘fun’ relationship with him — which unexpectedly deepens, especially when she learns about Jamie’s battle with cancer.
From the producers of “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014), “My Oxford Year” is the kind of rom-com best described as familiar, yet not familiar. It tells a love story, but not in the way one would expect — poetic and reflective. Based on Julia Whelan’s novel of the same title but written for the screen by Melissa Osborne and Allison Burnett, Iain Morris builds on dialogue, metaphors, and stunning visuals to tell a story about love, grief, and acceptance.
His visual approach raises poignant questions: How do lovers and their families deal with loss? How easy is it to accept death without a fight? Iain explores Anna’s and William Davenport’s dynamics with Jamie to visually show the struggle of acceptance and love.
After Eddie’s death from cancer, William was not ready to accept that Jamie would also die. He wanted his son to fight for his life and was prepared to get the best treatment possible. Accepting that his only son’s days were numbered was hard for him. Similarly, after discovering Jamie’s illness, Anna struggled to accept that the man she had come to love had only a short time left to live.
With eight directorial credits, “My Oxford Year” is Iain’s second feature after “The Festival” (2018), also a romantic comedy. Best known for “The Inbetweeners” series, Iain is more often a producer and writer. On “My Oxford Year,” his direction is visually appealing and poetic, giving the story emotional depth beyond the usual “two lovers from different worlds” formula.
One of the most poetic scenes is Jamie’s interpretation of Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem “First Fig” in the classroom scene where Jamie and Anna realise their teacher–student roles. Viewers learn through Jamie’s dialogue how “a well-lived life may come at a price, but bugger me if it’s not worth every penny.” The dialogue touches on the falsehood of permanence — how passions, dreams, and life itself are fleeting.
The cake Jamie brings to class as a ‘bribe’ is also significant. Being his first time teaching them, it was a soft landing to create the kind of relationship he wanted with his students — interactive and conversational. This gesture is mirrored by Anna when she returns to teach after Jamie’s death.
The chemistry between Anna and Jamie is emotionally honest. From the way they look at each other to the delivery of their lines, their performances radiate sincerity and poetry. Dougray Scott’s portrayal of Jamie’s father is memorable, showing that fathers, too, can be deeply vulnerable. His expressions bring more weight to understanding the impact Jamie’s death would have on him.
Renowned British cinematographer Remi Adefarasin delivers memorable shots that give “My Oxford Year” its visual charm. From the quiet library to the cheerful pub and the vast Davenport mansion, every shot offers a visual tour of Oxford University and its surroundings. In moments where the film score falters, the poetic dialogue fills the gap beautifully.
“My Oxford Year” leaves viewers reflective in many ways. It not only shows that love is not a bed of roses but that life itself is poetic. It questions our perception of love, life, grief, and dreams — reminding us that, in truth, nothing lasts forever.
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Runtime: 1 hours 53 minutes
Streaming Service: Netflix
Director: Iain Morris
Cast: Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, Catherine McCormack, Harry Trevaldwyn, Esme Kingdom, Nikhil Parmar, Poppy Gilbert, Romina Cocca, Yadier Fernandez, Michael Begley, Barney Harris, Barunka O’Shaughnessy, Hugh Coles, and Rebecca Burton.
TNR Scorecard:
4/5/5