My Oxford Year (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
There’s something magical about Oxford. Its cobblestone streets, towering spires, and centuries-old libraries practically demand a romantic film to be set here. My Oxford Year (2025), directed by Iain Morris, tries to capture that magic — weaving together ambition, romance, and heartbreak in one picture-perfect package.
Starring Sofia Carson (Purple Hearts) and Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte), this Netflix original adapts Julia Whelan’s novel of the same name. On paper, it promises a mix of wanderlust, opposites-attract chemistry, and the bittersweet charm of fleeting love. But does it deliver something fresh, or is it another well-worn love story dressed in academic robes? Let’s take a deep dive.
Plot Summary – Ambition Meets the Unexpected
Anna de la Vega (Sofia Carson) has her life mapped out. She’s an ambitious young American who lands the opportunity of a lifetime — a year at Oxford University to study Victorian poetry. For Anna, it’s not just a degree; it’s the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
Enter Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest) — charming, quick-witted, and just the right amount of infuriating. Their first encounters are laced with friction, but soon enough, sparks fly. There’s just one twist: Jamie is not only a local heartthrob, he’s also her professor for the semester.
What starts as a “let’s live in the moment” fling quickly deepens into something neither expected. But Jamie is hiding a devastating secret — one that shifts the entire tone of the film halfway through and forces both characters to face life’s hardest choices.
Themes – Love, Choices, and the Weight of Time
At its heart, My Oxford Year explores more than just romance. It’s about the tension between following the safe, planned path and risking it all for love — even when the future is uncertain.
Jamie’s arc revolves around living life on his own terms despite a grim medical diagnosis. He chooses joy over endless treatments, knowing his time is limited. Anna’s journey is about learning that life’s greatest regrets often come from the chances we didn’t take.
This isn’t just a romance — it’s a meditation on how fleeting and precious our days really are.
Performances – Charm Meets Familiarity
Sofia Carson brings her signature warmth to Anna, but long-time viewers may find her performance familiar. Her acting style and character mannerisms closely mirror roles she’s played before, which makes her feel comfortable but not particularly transformative.
Corey Mylchreest, however, shines as Jamie. He delivers charm effortlessly, with a vulnerability that makes his final scenes hit harder. Supporting cast members like Poppy Gilbert add texture, but the story remains firmly anchored in the dynamic between Anna and Jamie.
Cinematography – Oxford as the Third Character
The real star here? Oxford itself.
From misty morning walks along the River Cherwell to sunlit library stacks, the cinematography captures the romance of the city perfectly. If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in England, this film will fuel that fantasy. The setting elevates even the most predictable scenes, turning them into postcard-worthy moments.
Strengths – Cozy Romance with Emotional Beats
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Visual Beauty – Gorgeous shots of Oxford make the film a visual treat.
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Comfort-Film Energy – If you love “Before Sunrise”-style romance mixed with a tear-jerking twist, this will scratch that itch.
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Emotional Climax – The last act’s tour sequence is genuinely moving and one of the most heartfelt moments in the film.
Weaknesses – Predictability and Pacing Issues
While My Oxford Year has heart, it’s not without flaws:
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Rushed Relationship Development – The romance feels too quick at the start, making it harder to fully invest early on.
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Cliché Tropes – The terminal illness reveal is a familiar device, and while emotional, it risks feeling manipulative.
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Underdeveloped Subplots – Themes like academic ambition and friendship dynamics are touched on but never fully explored.
Where to Watch My Oxford Year Online in the US
Currently, My Oxford Year is streaming exclusively on Netflix in the United States.
Watch it here: My Oxford Year on Netflix
Netflix offers the film in HD with English audio and subtitles, so you can fully appreciate its dialogue and lush visuals. As of now, it’s not available on other streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
Final Verdict – Is My Oxford Year Worth Watching?
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, romantic drama with a touch of tragedy, My Oxford Year will be right up your alley. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s heartfelt — the kind of film you curl up with on a rainy afternoon.
While the script leans heavily on familiar beats and Sofia Carson’s performance treads well-worn territory, Corey Mylchreest’s charm and Oxford’s beauty keep it engaging. The final act delivers enough emotional punch to make it memorable, even if it doesn’t reach the emotional heights of classics like Before Sunrise or Me Before You.
Your Turn to Experience Oxford’s Romance
If you’re a sucker for sweeping backdrops, bittersweet love stories, and a reminder to live fully, My Oxford Year is worth adding to your watchlist.
Start streaming now on Netflix and decide for yourself whether Anna and Jamie’s story wins your heart. Then, come back and share your thoughts — because the best part of any love story is talking about it afterwards.
