Netflix’s “My Oxford Year” Brings Romance to the Dreaming Spires

Netflix’s latest romantic drama “My Oxford Year” has arrived on the streaming platform, pairing two of the service’s rising stars in a bittersweet tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of England’s most prestigious university.

Star-Crossed Chemistry

Sofia Carson takes on the role of Anna De La Vega, an ambitious American student who defers her Goldman Sachs job to pursue a master’s degree in Victorian poetry at Oxford University. Her carefully planned life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Jamie Davenport, played by Corey Mylchreest, a charming British poetry professor harboring a devastating secret.

Carson, known for her Netflix hits “Purple Hearts” and “Carry-On,” brings her signature blend of vulnerability and determination to Anna. The character represents a departure from Carson’s Disney Channel origins, showcasing her evolution as a dramatic actress. Meanwhile, Mylchreest builds on his breakout performance as young King George III in “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” demonstrating his range beyond period royal roles.

The casting proved fortuitous from the start. During their chemistry read – the audition process where potential romantic leads test their on-screen rapport – Carson and Mylchreest experienced an immediate connection. “As soon as he walked into the room, we just kind of became Anna and Jamie,” Carson explained, describing how they naturally slipped into their characters during that first London meeting. This instant chemistry between the actors became crucial for selling the central love story to audiences.

Authentic Oxford Setting

The production filmed extensively at genuine Oxford University locations, including Magdalen College, St Hugh’s College, and the historic Bodleian Library. The authentic setting adds gravitas to the romantic drama, with the university’s Gothic spires and ancient halls serving as more than mere backdrop—they become integral to the story’s emotional landscape.

Director Iain Morris, creator of “The Inbetweeners,” was specifically chosen to inject British humor into the romance. Carson praised this decision, noting that “you simply cannot have a British romance without iconic British humor.”

Mixed Critical Reception

Despite the authentic locations and star power, “My Oxford Year” has received lukewarm reviews from critics, earning a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have pointed to a lack of chemistry between the leads and criticized the adaptation for diluting the complexity of Julia Whelan’s source novel.

The film changes significant elements from the book, including the protagonist’s name from Ella to Anna and her career ambitions from politics to finance. These alterations have drawn criticism for removing much of the character’s depth and motivation.

Behind the Scenes

Carson also served as executive producer, marking her second production credit following “Purple Hearts.” The production took place in September 2024, with additional filming in Windsor and Greece. The movie heavily features poetry, particularly Alfred Tennyson’s famous line “It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.”

Rising Stars Continue Netflix Partnership

For Carson, “My Oxford Year” represents another step in her evolution from Disney Channel star to Netflix’s go-to romantic lead. Her previous Netflix projects have consistently performed well, establishing her as what some call the streaming service’s “first bona fide movie star.”

Mylchreest’s casting continues his meteoric rise from RADA graduate to leading man. After graduating from drama school in 2020, he landed his “Queen Charlotte” role less than three years later—a trajectory that industry observers note as exceptional.

The Verdict

While “My Oxford Year” may not achieve the critical acclaim of other Netflix originals, it offers viewers a visually stunning romance anchored by two committed performances. The film succeeds in capturing Oxford’s timeless beauty and delivering the emotional beats expected from the tearjerker genre, even if the execution doesn’t always match the ambition.

For fans of Carson and Mylchreest, the movie provides another showcase for their talents, despite the mixed critical reception. The authentic Oxford locations and poetry-infused narrative create a romantic atmosphere that may resonate with audiences seeking escapist entertainment.