The film promises a sweeping love story but the narrative of the film is too worn out to be praised, says Abhi Singhal
My Oxford Year sets out to be a sweeping romance against the picturesque backdrop of Oxford University, where cobbled streets and historic colleges become part of the film’s charm. The story follows Anna De La Vega played by Sofia Carson, an ambitious American who puts a promising political career on hold to pursue her love of poetry at Oxford. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest), a charismatic local whose wit and warmth slowly win her over.
At its core, the film relies heavily on the chemistry between Carson and Mylchreest. Their connection gives the story its moments of vitality, particularly in their playful exchanges and tender conversations. When their chemistry shines, the film flows easily and draws the audience in. Without it, however, much of the film risks falling flat, as the narrative on its own often feels too predictable and drawn-out.
The first half of the movie plays like a classic romantic comedy. There are plenty of light-hearted sequences — walks along Oxford’s scenic paths, humorous cultural clashes, and cheerful montages involving fish and chips, pub visits and karaoke nights. While these moments are visually pleasing, they don’t always bring depth to the story. Instead, they tend to rely on well-worn rom-com tropes that can make the film feel somewhat ordinary.
The tone shifts dramatically in the second half, when Jamie reveals he is living with a serious illness. This revelation gives the film a more emotional weight and allows for poignant moments as Anna chooses to stand by him. The love story deepens here, moving from playful flirtation to a relationship built on care, sacrifice and mutual understanding. By the end, Anna’s journey comes full circle, as she finds a new sense of purpose and direction shaped by her time with Jamie.
Despite its emotional turn, the movie doesn’t always succeed in leaving a lasting impact. While the Oxford setting is undeniably enchanting and the performances earnest, the writing often feels too safe, never quite matching the emotional stakes it sets up. The result is a film that is pleasant to watch but not particularly memorable.
The film is a gentle romance that will appeal to those who enjoy heartfelt stories set in beautiful locations and are fans of the soft romantic genre. Its biggest strength lies in the chemistry between its leads, which provides just enough spark to carry the film. Without that connection, it would risk becoming little more than a pretty but forgettable tale. Lovely scenery and charming leads make it watchable, but the film leans too heavily on clichés to truly stand out.
Ratings: 3/5
Watch Card (Show Information)
Screen Title: My Oxford Year (Movie)
Platform Available: Netflix
Running Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Genre: Romance, Comedy