The hit Netflix movie, My Oxford Year, has become an internet sensation, striking its audience with a story filled with love, desire, and heartbreak. Head actor Corey Mylchreest and actress Sofia Carson delivered a breathtaking performance, taking the viewers along for their journey as Jamie Davenport and Anna De La Vega.
The film revolves around two individuals following completely different paths in their futures. Despite the bittersweet ending to their relationship, their first meeting was considerably unpleasant when Davenport sped by in his luxurious car, splashing De La Vega with dirty street water. Eventually, De La Vega had to face her new enemy once again after finding him to be her temporary professor at Oxford University.
Regardless of their terrible first impressions, the two quickly became inseparable after one night at the pub. At first, they deemed their relationship to be “just for fun,” but that soon changed into something much more serious. After spending months together, De La Vega discovered Davenport had a terminal illness that would eventually take his life and end their relationship.
Davenport’s sudden vulnerability provides a sense of authenticity to viewers. His choice to let life play out without interference with his illness reflects a different perspective on what strength can look like. Rather than dwelling on the news, he used his remaining time to live life to the fullest, promising De La Vega to go on a “grand tour” of Europe.
Senior Aanya Wadhwa communicates, “I think people should live freely and experience everything they can and not miss out on things with people close to you.”
After Davenport passed away, the film finished with a sequence of tear-jerking scenes between the couple going on their trip together, all to realize that Davenport had passed too early, leaving De La Vega to complete the trip alone. This element of the production raised the bar immensely for the audience, enhancing the heartbreak storyline and evoking a range of emotions.
Senior Sophia Alvarez shares, “His death made me realize that you have to live life to the best of your ability because you never know what can happen.” Alvarez’s mindset is similar to Davenport’s, as he lived with one idea in mind: “You should never regret the things you do. You should only regret the things you didn’t do.”
Even with the tragic ending, My Oxford Year is being stated as a “staple rom-com of the summer.” It wasn’t the character’s relationship that was interesting for viewers, but rather the message that lies beneath the surface.
Many saw De La Vega as a symbol of dedication as she refused to return to her life at home to stay with her lover. Her raw emotion reflects the willingness it takes to sacrifice everything for someone worth waiting for, despite the pain and grief that will follow. The ‘grand tour’ offered her a sense of closure, reflecting on the sacredness of love and never taking life for granted. With a variety of romance tropes and hidden life lessons, My Oxford Year resonates with all hopeless romantics and dreamers, touching the hearts of every viewer.
