‘My Oxford Year’ Review: Finding Love Abroad

"My Oxford Year" is a Netflix romance film that attempts to capture the essence of a modern "About Time" story. The plot revolves around Ella, a working-class American who travels to Oxford University for a prestigious fellowship, where she meets Jamie, a privileged prep school graduate. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two fall in love. The film aims to explore themes of personal growth, cultural differences, and the challenges of long-distance relationships. However, critics argue that it fails to fully develop these themes, resulting in a somewhat superficial and predictable narrative. The characters and their relationship are not as nuanced or compelling as the filmmakers had hoped, leaving viewers unsatisfied. While the film may appeal to some viewers seeking a lighthearted romance, it ultimately falls short of becoming a generational classic like "About Time." The movie's inability to offer a truly unique or insightful perspective on the genre leaves it as a forgettable entry in the crowded field of romantic dramas.