Call it the “Bridgerton effect.” Netflix seems to be turning its focus toward the UK, and we’re seeing a wave of new content inspired by British culture. One recent release is the romantic film My Oxford Year, which dives into the experiences of an American student in England.
Directed by Iain Morris, known for The Inbetweeners, this film is based on Julia Whelan’s novel. Unlike typical college comedies, it leans more toward sentimentality. The main character, Anna, played by Sofia Carson, is a working-class New Yorker who decides to take a year off from her job at Goldman Sachs to study literature at Oxford. She hopes to find herself in this new environment.
The film showcases Oxford’s stunning beauty. But it’s not all picturesque. Anna discovers that English life has its quirks, including a comical moment of watching the intriguing dating show Naked Attraction. Just like many Americans portrayed in films before her, Anna finds herself enamored with a charming Englishman, Jamie, a fellow literature lover played by Corey Mylchreest.
Their meet-cute is a mix of sitcom-style slapstick and old-school romance. From a splashy car incident to unexpected classroom revelations, their journey feels familiar yet lacking in tension. Initially, their contrasting personalities promise some conflict: Anna’s hardworking nature versus Jamie’s carefree lifestyle. But the film eventually loses its spark, veering into more dramatic territory that feels less engaging.
The shift to drama introduces personal struggles but doesn’t surprise viewers. It feels predictable, covering well-trodden themes of class differences and career choices. This pattern may resonate with audiences but leaves little room for emotional depth.
While Morris is competent behind the camera, the script doesn’t quite deliver the excitement needed to make this film memorable. Carson’s performance is decent but lacks the intensity to make Anna compelling. Mylchreest shows potential, hinting that with a sharper script, he could shine.
In a time when streaming platforms are flooded with romantic films, My Oxford Year feels like background noise. It lacks the strong emotional currents seen in successes like last year’s It Ends With Us. Despite its romantic aspirations, the film leaves us feeling like we’ve just had a light summer read: enjoyable but quickly forgotten.
For a deeper dive into how film adaptations shape our cultural perceptions, check out this analysis by The Guardian.
