Love Tastes Better When it is Forbidden in “My Fault: London.”

To properly analyze this film solely on its merits, this review will refrain from comparisons with the original hit Spanish film “Culpa Mia” on Prime Video.

Young adult films have always captured the hearts of many worldwide, and when done right, they can be the pathway to the launching of actors’ careers and the making of a film that will be remembered for decades. “My Fault: London” kicked off the year with one of the most compelling love stories in recent streaming history. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city of London, the film explores the forbidden love story of step-siblings.

Eighteen-year-old Noah (Asha Banks) relocates from Florida to London with her mother, Ella (Eve Macklin), who has recently married an affluent man, William Leister (Ray Fearon). In the new environment, she encounters her reckless yet charming step-brother Nick (Matthew Broome). The two get off on the wrong foot due to differences in opinion. However, as they work towards peace and understanding, an undeniable attraction simmers, leading to a passionate and surreptitious relationship.

As their bond solidifies, the truth about Noah’s past life surfaces, particularly with the reappearance of her estranged father, Travis (Jason Flemyng). Nick’s double life also haunts the blooming couple and pokes holes in their relationship. The convergence of past and present elements tests Nick and Noah’s love for each other. As they keep their relationship a secret from their parents, how far are they willing to go to protect their forbidden romance?

At its core, “My Fault: London” focuses on the central theme of forbidden love and does so in the most romantic way possible. Yes, many may question the ethics of the relationship, but if they were not already aware of the origin story, it is very easy to classify the film as a typical young adult romance with all its desire and angst.

Nick and Noah’s relationship is fresh and exciting. Even though the couple is young, they display high levels of maturity that the audience can learn from. They openly communicate their feelings, avoid toxicity, and ensure they have each other’s backs, no matter the situation. They do not let their “secret little rendezvous” cloud their rationality (Okay, this point is stretched a bit too far because Nick did lose all forms of rationality at the bar in Ibiza), and they certainly know how to apologize to each other after arguments and misunderstandings.

“My Fault: London” is an emotionally gripping narrative-a quality that makes the film unique. It perfectly weaves together passion, pain, and yearning for a realistic portrayal of what love between two growing adults is.

Noah, strong-willed yet deeply scarred, is thrust into an opulent lifestyle that is a far cry from her modest life back in Florida. Then she meets the brooding Nick who is dangerously alluring, yet he has scars of his own that he is not afraid to put on full display. If anything, Nick’s vulnerability shimmers, so much so, that he is not the typical bad boy, but a regular human being. He loves his sister to death, is wary of his interactions with his mother, and is fiercely protective of his friends Lion (Kerim Hassan) and Jenna (Enva Lewis), so much so that he willingly enters the boxing ring for the sake of it.

The film rightly explores the intricacies of forbidden romances: the spark that ignites the flame, the conscientious notion of “we shouldn’t do this because it’s wrong,” ignoring that notion and giving into desire, sneaking around, the palpable anticipation of getting caught, and the explosive reactions from family and friends when the truth comes out. Nick and Noah go through that unimaginable rollercoaster and still come out victorious.

Nick and Noah, with all their intricacies, would not be possible without the impeccable portrayal by Matthew Broome and Asha Banks. From the moment Broome appears on screen, he exudes magnetic charisma, carrying himself with the swagger and effortless confidence of someone who loves to live on the edge. Yet beneath the bravado, Broome layers his performance with a quiet sorrow and buried pain that flickers behind his piercing gaze.

Banks delivers a stirring and deeply layered performance as Noah, balancing her character’s unyielding resilience with her hidden fragility. She plays the character with fiery defiance which makes her a compelling lead. She holds her own against Broome’s intensity, meeting his charged energy with an equal force of her own.

Together, their scenes are a flaming chemistry that is as thrilling as it is forbidden (cue the scenes in Nick’s closet). They don’t just act out Nick and Noah’s connection, they embody it, making every glance, touch, moment, and encounter feel like a volcanic eruption.

The chemistry between the two main characters is all thanks to the directorial duo of Dani Girdwood and Charlotte Fassler and their character-centric approach to filmmaking. They place a strong emphasis on character development, ensuring that the relationship between Nick and Noah is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. By focusing on intimate interactions and nuanced performances, they allow the audience to connect deeply with the characters’ struggles and growth.

Cinematographer Ed Moore employs a rich color palette, enhancing the film’s emotional depth and highlighting the contrasts between Noah’s tumultuous life and the bustling city where she is a recent resident. The screenplay by Melissa Osborne is authentic, fun, intense, and engaging, with hypnotic dialogues and compelling arcs.

The film’s score, masterfully handled by James Jacob, compliments its intense tone, weaving through scenes to amplify emotional beats and character development. The inclusion of contemporary tracks like Lily Allen’s “LDN,” Charli XCX’s “von dutch,” Britney Spears’ “Piece of Me,” and Holly Humberstone’s “Dive,” encapsulates different pivotal moments in Nick and Noah’s journey, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of reflection long after the credits roll.

The only, well fault, that can be seen in “My Fault: London” is that it relies too heavily on the generic forbidden romance trope. That is not even necessarily a bad thing considering the film stays true to most aspects of Ron’s book “Culpa Mia” and adds its own spin with the inclusion of heartstopping scenes and a curious ending.

“My Fault: London” stands as a provocative addition to the forbidden romance genre, offering a blend of intense motion, intricate character studies, and a vivid portrayal of London’s intriguing landscape. The consensus of the internet is that it is THE FILM of the month and that honor is only given to special bodies of work.

There needs to be a sequel to “My Fault: London” as soon as possible, and if there are no plans at Prime Video, then Netflix you know what to do.

Release Date: February 13, 2025

Runtime: 119 minutes

Streaming Service: Prime Video

Director(s): Dani Girdwood and Charlotte Fassler

Cast: Asha Banks, Matthew Broome, Eva Macklin, Ray Fearon, Enva Lewis, Kerim Hassan, Sam Buchanan, Amelia Kenworthy, Christina Cole, Jason Flemyng, Harry Gilby, and George Robinson.

TNR Scorecard: