Traveling has a special magic to it. It’s an opportunity to discover new places, step out of your comfort zone, and experience things you’ve read about or seen in movies. And sometimes, it even leads to unexpected love. Films like “Roman Holiday” or “Before Sunrise” beautifully capture these fleeting moments of romance against stunning backdrops.
I hoped “My Oxford Year” would fit this exciting mold, but it took a turn that surprised me. Directed by Iain Morris of “The Inbetweeners,” the movie follows Anna de la Vega (Sofia Carson), who pauses her career to study Victorian poetry at Oxford University. Almost immediately, she locks horns with the charming Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest), her professor and the only instructor she has. Their initial tension gives way to romance, and by fall, they find themselves drawn to each other. Yet, Anna worries Jamie might still be seeing Cecelia (Poppy Gilbert), who always seems to be around.
Based on a novel by Julia Whelan and co-written by Allison Burnett and Melissa Osborne, the film feels a bit shallow. It has a familiar cast of characters—like Anna’s quirky best friend and her supportive girlfriend. If you enjoy light-hearted romance, then it might suit your tastes. However, the promise of love in such an iconic setting felt unrealized. I hoped for a deeper exploration of Anna’s struggles between her mother’s ambitions and her passion for literature, but it barely scratched the surface.
Without revealing too much, as Anna falls for Jamie, she discovers he is secretly battling a rare cancer with little chance of survival. This significant shift in tone transforms the movie from a light romance to a poignant exploration of love and loss. It felt reminiscent of “An Affair to Remember,” but with a twist.
While Carson and Mylchreest are endearing, their chemistry doesn’t quite match the intensity found in classics like “Before Sunrise.” There’s a depth lacking that would give their relationship the weight it needs.
Despite its shortcomings, “My Oxford Year” does showcase the charm of studying abroad. Yet, the couple fails to light up the screen with their connection, and the writing feels simplistic for graduates studying literature. Fortunately, there are some humorous moments and cultural jokes that help lighten the mood.
Overall, while “My Oxford Year” hints at romantic possibilities, it feels constrained by its plot. The dramatic reveal brings a premature conclusion, making it hard to recapture the earlier whimsy.
In today’s world, where online education is gaining traction, stories like this remind us of the value of in-person experiences. A study by the Institute of International Education found that students who study abroad are likely to have better job prospects and earn higher salaries post-graduation. Clearly, the journey matters just as much as the destination, even when the outcome isn’t exactly what you hoped for.
For those interested in a deeper look at the impact of study abroad experiences, check out the Institute of International Education.
