My Oxford Year (Netflix Movie) – Cast & Characters

Netflix’s My Oxford Year is a sweeping romantic drama that follows Anna De La Vega (Sofía Carson), an ambitious American who arrives at Oxford University to fulfill her lifelong dream—only to have her meticulously planned future upended when she meets Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest), a brilliant but enigmatic local who challenges everything she thought she wanted. As Anna navigates the hallowed halls of academia, she finds herself torn between her career ambitions and a love that forces her to question what truly matters.

Based on the bestselling novel by Julia Whelan, My Oxford Year blends the charm of a classic British romance with the emotional depth of a coming-of-age story. With its lush Oxford backdrops, witty banter, and poignant exploration of life’s unexpected turns, the film is equal parts swoon-worthy and thought-provoking. Think One Day meets The Theory of Everything, with a dash of Normal People’s raw emotional honesty.

My Oxford Year: Meet the Cast

1. Sofía Carson as Anna De La Vega

Sofía Carson (Purple Hearts, Feel the Beat) delivers her most nuanced performance yet as Anna, a fiercely intelligent and driven woman whose world expands in ways she never anticipated. Carson captures Anna’s initial wide-eyed idealism and gradual emotional awakening with remarkable depth, making her journey from ambitious outsider to someone who learns to embrace life’s uncertainties deeply relatable. Her chemistry with Corey Mylchreest is electric, their intellectual sparring evolving into something far more tender and profound.

Carson reportedly immersed herself in Oxford’s academic culture, attending lectures and studying the mannerisms of postgraduate students to perfect Anna’s blend of confidence and vulnerability. Whether delivering rapid-fire dialogue in tutorial sessions or quiet, heart-wrenching moments of self-doubt, she ensures Anna is more than just a romantic lead—she’s a fully realized woman at a crossroads.

2. Corey Mylchreest as Jamie Davenport

Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story) cements his leading-man status as Jamie, the charismatic and complex Oxford local who turns Anna’s world upside down. Mylchreest brings a magnetic mix of wit, charm, and underlying melancholy to the role, making Jamie impossible to resist even when he’s frustratingly enigmatic. His chemistry with Carson crackles in every scene, from heated academic debates to stolen moments along the River Cherwell.

Mylchreest’s portrayal digs beneath Jamie’s polished exterior to reveal the vulnerabilities and burdens he carries, adding layers to what could have been a standard romantic hero. His performance is particularly powerful in the film’s more dramatic turns, where Jamie’s past and present collide in ways that challenge both him and Anna.

3. Dougray Scott as William Davenport

Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible II, Hitman) brings gravitas to the role of William, Jamie’s formidable father, whose expectations weigh heavily on his son. Scott excels at portraying a man who is both intimidating and, in quieter moments, deeply human. His scenes with Mylchreest are charged with unspoken tension, revealing a father-son dynamic fraught with love, resentment, and unmet dreams.

Scott’s performance ensures William is more than just an antagonist—he’s a man shaped by his own regrets, making his eventual emotional breakthroughs all the more satisfying.

4. Catherine McCormack as Antonia Davenport

Catherine McCormack (Braveheart, Spy Game) is luminous as Antonia, Jamie’s warm but perceptive mother, who becomes an unexpected confidante for Anna. McCormack infuses Antonia with quiet strength and wisdom, offering a counterbalance to William’s sternness. Her scenes with Carson are particularly touching, as she gently guides Anna toward understanding Jamie’s complexities.

McCormack’s portrayal adds emotional richness to the Davenport family dynamic, making Antonia a grounding presence amid the story’s romantic and familial tensions.

5. Harry Trevaldwyn as Charlie Butler

Harry Trevaldwyn (The Great, The Outlaws) provides comic relief as Charlie, Jamie’s quick-witted best friend and fellow Oxford student. Trevaldwyn’s impeccable timing and dry humor make Charlie an instant favorite, whether he’s teasing Jamie or offering Anna hilariously blunt advice. Beneath the jokes, however, Trevaldwyn hints at Charlie’s own insecurities, adding depth to the character.

His friendship with Jamie feels authentically lived-in, full of inside jokes and unspoken loyalty, making their bond one of the film’s most endearing elements.

6. Esmé Kingdom as Maggie Timbs

Esmé Kingdom (The Crown, The Nevers) shines as Maggie, Anna’s no-nonsense Oxford roommate who becomes an unlikely ally. Kingdom brings sharp humor and heart to the role, portraying Maggie as both a grounding force and a fiercely loyal friend. Her scenes with Carson are a delight, full of late-night heart-to-hearts and exasperated but affectionate ribbing.

Kingdom ensures Maggie is more than just a sidekick—she’s a young woman with her own ambitions and vulnerabilities, making her friendship with Anna feel genuine and lived-in.

7. Nikhil Parmar as Tom Sethi

Nikhil Parmar (The Sandman, The Lazarus Project) adds warmth as Tom, a fellow international student who bonds with Anna over their shared outsider status. Parmar brings a quiet dignity to the role, making Tom’s struggles with belonging and identity deeply relatable. His friendship with Anna provides some of the film’s most touching moments of camaraderie.

8. Poppy Gilbert as Cecelia Knowles

Poppy Gilbert (The Witcher, The Pursuit of Love) is perfectly cast as Cecelia, Anna’s polished but initially frosty academic rival. Gilbert avoids caricature, instead portraying Cecelia as a nuanced young woman whose competitiveness masks her own insecurities. Her eventual thawing toward Anna feels earned, thanks to Gilbert’s subtle performance.

9. Romina Cocca & Yadier Fernández as Mr. & Mrs. De La Vega

Romina Cocca (The Spanish Princess) and Yadier Fernández (Money Heist) bring heart to their roles as Anna’s loving but concerned parents. Their scenes with Carson, filled with long-distance calls and parental worry, add emotional stakes to Anna’s journey, reminding viewers of the life she left behind.

10. Nia Anisah as Laura

Nia Anisah (Heartstopper, The School for Good and Evil) is a scene-stealer as Laura, Anna’s bubbly but perceptive friend from home. Anisah’s infectious energy makes Laura’s visits to Oxford a joy, while her heartfelt advice to Anna adds emotional weight.

11. Hugh Coles as Ridley

Hugh Coles (Back to the Future: The Musical) rounds out the cast as Ridley, a charming but slightly hapless Oxford student who provides lighthearted moments. Coles’ endearing awkwardness makes Ridley a lovable presence, whether he’s fumbling through a crush or offering comic relief in tense scenes.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Breathtaking Setting: Oxford’s dreaming spires provide a stunning backdrop for this intellectual love story.

• Emotional Depth: More than just romance, the film explores ambition, family, and the cost of dreams.

• Unforgettable Chemistry: Carson and Mylchreest’s sparks fly from their first meeting.

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Final Teaser

My Oxford Year is a love letter to second chances, unexpected journeys, and the people who change us forever. Coming to Netflix and theaters August 1, 2025.

Want more? Ask for a deeper dive into the Oxford filming locations or the novel-to-screen adaptation process!