My Oxford Year (2025 film): Life is to be lived intentionally

 

When I began my watch of My Oxford Year, I didn’t like it. I thought it was cheesy and annoying. I was very disturbed by the student-teacher romance as well. But then, the main conflict of the movie was revealed: Jamie Davenport was terminally ill.

After that revelation was made, it was as though the film shifted from cheese to heart. It made me feel something for Jamie and Anna and the bond they had developed. They were falling for each other but refusing to call it that because there was no future.

Jamie’s father, William, was another character whose pain I felt. He was so desperate to save his son, he did everything he could to convince him to get treatment. That man died inside every time Jamie was admitted into a hospital.

I got him, I understood him. William’s pain and Jamie’s decision to make every moment of his life count reminded me of Chris Miles (Skins 1st gen: Series 1 and 2). Chris came from a family that had a terminal brain disease. The illness had killed his brother, and Chris was so sure he was next.

In series one, we had no idea if Chris would succumb to the illness; however, by the end of Series two, Chris dies in the most heartbreaking way. It was a sad watch that was also nostalgic for me. So, yes, I get this movie.

I think Jamie’s limited time taught Anna to live her life intentionally. Jamie may have known when his time would end, but Anna didn’t know hers – it could be before Jamie’s ended or after. She didn’t know.

Life is to be lived. Love is to be experienced, and it doesn’t have to last long. Even the short three-month ones are also worth it because the feeling is what matters.