When Netflix dropped My Oxford Year on August , fans thought they were in for a light-hearted rom-com set against the dreamy backdrop of Oxford. You know, one of those sweet, cozy love stories perfect for a lazy weekend watch? Well, plot twist—it’s not what you think.
By the time the credits rolled, viewers were left emotionally wrecked, tweeting their heartbreak and drawing comparisons with Bollywood’s own tragic love anthem, Saiyaara. And honestly? They’re not wrong.
Let’s dive into what made this film hit differently—and why you might need a box of tissues if you’re planning to watch.
A Love Story That Starts Like a Rom-Com…
At first glance, My Oxford Year feels like something straight out of the rom-com playbook. You’ve got Anna, played by the ever-charming Sofia Carson—a driven, ambitious New Yorker who lands in Oxford for a poetry program. She’s smart, focused, and has her life mapped out.
Then comes Jamie, played by Queen Charlotte star Corey Mylchreest—a witty, mysterious Brit who seems like just another campus crush. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The banter, the late-night poetry readings, the quiet moments in cozy libraries—it’s all there.
But just when you think you’ve settled into a breezy, feel-good romance… the movie pulls the rug out from under you.
But Ends Like a Tragedy
Without giving away major spoilers, let’s just say this isn’t your average Netflix love story. Midway through the film, there’s a twist so unexpected, it changes the entire tone. What begins as a fun, flirty Oxford adventure quickly turns into a deeply emotional story about love, choices, and loss.
That twist? It hits hard. And by the end, many viewers were comparing the experience to watching Saiyaara from Ek Tha Tiger—that bittersweet mix of beauty and heartbreak. The film makes you question what truly matters in life—ambition or love, structure or spontaneity?
Twitter’s In Their Feels
If you’ve been on X (formerly Twitter) in the past few days, you’ve probably seen the reactions flooding in. Fans are praising the film’s emotional depth, calling it “unexpectedly profound” and “devastating in the best way.”
Some said they felt “tricked” into watching what they thought was a light romance, only to end up crying at 2 AM. Others compared the heartbreak to classics like A Walk to Remember or The Fault in Our Stars. And of course, more than a few mentioned Saiyaara, with one user writing, “This movie is Hollywood’s Saiyaara. Painfully beautiful.”
Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest Steal the Show
A big part of why this film works is the lead pair. Sofia Carson brings a grounded charm to Anna—balancing vulnerability and determination in a way that feels incredibly real. Meanwhile, Corey Mylchreest proves he’s more than just a period drama prince. He brings warmth and depth to Jamie, making it easy to fall for his character right alongside Anna.
Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional moments—those quiet, aching scenes—that really stick with you.
Should You Watch It?
So here’s the real question: Should you watch My Oxford Year?
If you’re looking for a standard rom-com with a happy ending, maybe skip this one. But if you’re open to a story that blends charm, wit, and real emotional weight, this might be the film that stays with you long after it ends.
Just be warned: it’s the kind of movie that breaks your heart beautifully. And that, oddly enough, is what makes it worth watching.
