Is Netflix's My Oxford Year a true story? Inspiration behind 'best rom-com of the year' explained

Romance fans are in for a treat with Netflix's latest offering, My Oxford Year. Starring Bridgerton favouriteCorey Mylchreest, who starred in the hit spin-off series Queen Charlotte, the romcom packs an emotional punch.

Directed by BAFTA nominee Iain Morris, known for The Inbetweeners, the film premiered on the streaming platform today (August 1). It follows ambitious American student Anna (played by Sofia Carson), who moves to the UK to study at Oxford University.

She chooses the prestigious school to fulfil a childhood dream, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets local tutor Jamie (Mylchreest).

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While their romance appears to be picture-perfect, there's one significant problem: Jamie is secretly battling a terminal illness.

As viewers have tuned into the new film, many have been left in tears by its bittersweet storyline. But is it based on a true story?

Is My Oxford Year a true story?

My Oxford Year is not based on a true story; the romcom is adapted from Julia Whelan's best-selling debut novel of the same name. The novel was first published in 2018 and features slight differences to the film.

For instance, the novel's lead character is named Ella Durran, not Anna. Explaining their reasons for picking up this story, producer Marty Bowen revealed he related to the plot because he had an Oxford romance of his own.

"It was a finite period of time that we were going to be there, like in the story," Marty told Tudum. But it made the relationship that much more heightened because there was less pressure about where it was going to go.

"I actually think it’s those experiences that we take for granted. They become so much more important to you as memories of your life."

Meanwhile, co-producer Laura Quicksilver was drawn to the story's relatability.

She said: "One of the things we’ve always loved about this story that I think resonates with so many people is, it’s not necessarily the quantity of time you spend with someone, but the quality of that time."

Viewers have already branded the Netflix release as the "best romcom of the year."

My Oxford Year is streaming now on Netflix