Film Review: My Oxford Year

Sofia Carson's latest Netflix hit is My Oxford Year, based on the novel by Julia Whelan, and it is definitely a film to watch.

Growing up, I used to watch a lot of Disney Channel. Shows like Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody were staples of my childhood. As were Disney Channel movies like the Descendants franchise.

I loved the Descendants franchise, and still do, because they're relatable and hold deeper meanings than the main plot. Starring in these movies was Sofia Carson.

Since leaving her Disney days behind her, Sofia Carson has starred in several Netflix movies, becoming a staple of the streaming service. She's been in Purple Hearts, The Life List, Feel the Beat and Carry On.

And her latest film is My Oxford Year.

This movie is based on Julia Whelan's novel and is perfect for romance fans, literature lovers, and those who love a movie that shares important lessons.

I watched My Oxford Year last week and loved it. So, it's no surprise that I wanted to review it and share my thoughts.

Review of My Oxford Year

Genre: Romantic Drama

Rating: 4/5 stars

The synopsis for My Oxford Year, from IMDB, is:

'When Anna, an ambitious young American woman, sets out for Oxford University to fulfil a childhood dream, she has her life completely on track until she meets a charming and clever local who profoundly alters both of their lives.'

The first thing that drew my attention to this film was the cast. I have enjoyed every single Sofia Carson film I've seen; she's moved away from Disney and found her footing as Netflix's movie star. Her talent as a triple threat is incredible, and I love that she finds films to sink your teeth into.

Corey Mylchreest is an actor I first saw in Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte. In this, he played King George, and I thought he did an excellent job at that role. In My Oxford Year, Mylchreest portrays the Oxford local, who also happens to be Anna's teacher.

Watching Carson and Mylchreest portray Anna and Jamie worked well. They bounce off each other and are formidable actors.

I haven't yet read the novel of this story, but it is on my TBR. Perhaps even more so now I've seen the film because I'm fascinated by book-to-screen adaptations, and this one is one worth researching.

My Oxford Year begins as a typical romcom. Anna moves to Oxford for a year and is taken with the historic and poetic sights of the city. Only to have a not-so-meet-cute with Jamie after he drenches her with his car, driving through a puddle.

From there, tension builds between the two protagonists as we see them navigate their intrigue, but also slight annoyance with one another, which only grows once Jamie's role in Anna's education is revealed.

I thought the film was well-paced and built up their developing friendship successfully before it became a romance. There is humour and sarcasm from the protagonists, but also from the side characters.

I liked watching Anna's relationship with Maggie, Tom and Charlie develop, despite the stereotypical gay best friend. They added comic relief and made the film more heart-warming before it became heart-wrenching.

As I mentioned, I haven't read the book, so I didn't know what the ending of the film was going to be. However, you can kind of work it out early on when there are quite a few references to living life to the fullest, because we never know how long it'll be.

When it reached the end of the film, I must admit I did have tears. I wasn't full-on sobbing, but it was sad and emotional and did provoke a reaction from me.

And that's the best bit about Sofia Carson's movies.

There is always a deeper meaning. It is more often than not relatable to all viewers and results in a powerful movie.

My Oxford Year touches on the meaning of life and how we shouldn't wait to do things. We should embrace life whilst we can and live each day to the fullest, only regretting things we don't do, not things we have done.

I easily related to the topics explored in My Oxford Year and applied them to my own life, which I think is why I found the ending so emotional. It was bittersweet and maybe not the romantic film so people expected, but it's still worth watching.

So, if you're in the mood for an emotional, thought-provoking, romantic drama that will make you want to visit Oxford and embrace life, give My Oxford Year a watch.

Until next time...