Netflix's newest romantic comedy, My Oxford Year, delivers a visually stunning yet somewhat predictable journey through love and academia. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Oxford University, the film follows Ella Durran, a bright American graduate who wins a prestigious scholarship to study at the historic institution.
A Postcard-Perfect Setting
The film's greatest strength lies in its breathtaking cinematography, which captures Oxford's iconic spires, cobbled streets, and lush green quads with almost tourist-board perfection. Director Simon Curtis makes the city itself a character in the story, though some may argue this comes at the expense of deeper narrative development.
Strong Performances Anchor Familiar Plot
Lead actress Emily Alyn Lind brings charm and vulnerability to her role as Ella, while co-star Sam Claflin delivers a typically polished performance as her enigmatic professor. Their chemistry is undeniable, even if their romantic trajectory follows well-worn rom-com tropes.
The supporting cast, particularly those playing Ella's fellow students, provide welcome comic relief and help flesh out the university experience beyond the central romance.
Missed Opportunities in Adaptation
Based on Julia Whelan's novel, the screenplay simplifies some of the book's more complex themes about class, privilege, and academic pressure. Several subplots feel rushed or underdeveloped, leaving viewers wishing for more depth in this otherwise pleasant diversion.
While My Oxford Year won't revolutionise the genre, it offers enough charm and beauty to satisfy fans of lighthearted romantic fare. Just don't expect any surprises in this comfortably familiar love story.
