My Oxford Year – Netflix – 1 hour and 50 minutes
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Anna chose to start her job at Goldman Sachs late so she could attend the University of Oxford for a year to study poetry. She has a list of things she wants to do around the city and doesn’t want to waste a moment. Anna arrives at her apartment and meets her expressive neighbor, Charlie. She ventures outside to see a few sights and eat fish and chips. A sports car hits a puddle and drenches her with rainwater. Anna grits her teeth and continues with her day. She finds a local restaurant and orders fish and chips. She sits quietly and reads a book when Jamie comes in with his friend, Cecelia. After they order, Jamie hides. Cecelia looks across the street and spots Jessica, Jamie’s latest conquest. Anna laughs until she sees his car. It’s the same car that splashed her. Anna leaves the restaurant, calls Jessica’s name, and alerts her to Jamie’s location. Anna chuckles.
Anna bounces in her seat on the first day of class. Anna’s classmate, Maggie, can feel Anna’s excitement. Charlie sits next to Maggie and apologizes for his previous blunt words. Anna has dreamed about meeting her hero, Professor Styan. Professor Styan enters the room with stellar news. She got the job of a lifetime and wants to start now. She will leave her teaching duties in the hands of her best student, Jamie. Jamie and Anna lock eyes and remember how they met. They verbally spar in the class over cake and poetry. After class, Maggie and Charlie can’t ignore the tension between Anna and Jamie. However, they worry that Anna doesn’t have a mode of transportation. So, they run to their friend, Tom, and he gives her a bicycle.
Anna and Jamie spend time together, and he challenges her view on life and poetry. One day, Cecelia approaches Anna with a warning: Loving Jamie will lead to heartbreak and destruction. Anna considers Cecelia a jilted ex-lover. Besides, her relationship with Jamie is just for fun. Nothing serious. When he doesn’t show up for a friendly outing, Anna runs to Jamie’s home to yell at him. She finds him with Cecelia and a dark secret that will change the direction of her life forever.
Based on My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan, this film feels like a rom-com (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Two people who fall in love while bickering and finding common ground. While they love poetry, they have different outlooks on how to handle life. Anna is very regimented because she wants to make her parents proud by being successful. In the past, a plan served Anna well. It’s Jamie’s outlook on the future that changes her. He believes people should live life, not plan it. The topic is sad, but it won’t ‘destroy you,’ as some claim on social media. It’s a sweet and somber love story that gives viewers a Hallmark ending with a self-love conclusion. The love feels real, but rushed, even with montages. The storyline, including the twists, is predictable. However, the film is funny. Netflix was the ideal platform for this film, but don’t get a subscription to watch it.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Your beauty will fade as well as my interest – Charlie
You drenched me with your car – Anna
I’m actually really mature – Jamie
It is so fun – Maggie
Trust me, Anna. It’s not worth the pain – Cecelia
Maggie and I are just friends – Tom
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