What Is “My Oxford Year” Based On? All About the Differences Between the Book and Film

‘My Oxford Year’: Unveiling the Differences between the Book and Film

The Netflix movie ‘My Oxford Year’ has a unique background, being adapted from a screenplay that author Julia Whelan worked on and later novelized. The 2018 book with the same title takes a different turn than the emotional film, delving into the lives of two characters, Anna De La Vega portrayed by Sofia Carson, and Jamie Davenport played by Corey Mylchreest, who find love at the University of Oxford. However, the realities of their individual lives pose challenges to the progression of their relationship. One notable difference between the book and the film is the main character’s name – in the movie, Carson’s character is named Eleanor Duran.

Despite the variations, Whelan expressed her approval of the adaptation, emphasising that the book was derived from the original screenplay. She encouraged viewers to appreciate not just the changes made in the film, but also the unique elements she introduced in the novel. The film’s release on Netflix in August 2025 brought to light the intriguing journey of ‘My Oxford Year’ from a screenplay to a bestselling book and ultimately a heart-wrenching movie.

Originating from a screenplay by Allison Burnett, Whelan’s involvement brought about the transition from a script to a full-fledged novel. The process of transforming the story from a screenplay to a novel marked a turning point in Whelan’s career, setting the stage for the book’s success. Over time, the screenplay evolved into a captivating movie with Burnett collaborating with screenwriter Melissa Osborne. This journey reflects the intricate process of bringing a story to life on different platforms.

As the narrative unfolds, critical distinctions emerge between the character portrayals in the book and the movie, creating layers of depth and complexity. While Carson embodies Anna De La Vega, a student from New York pursuing a poetry master’s degree at Oxford in the film, the book depicts Eleanor Duran, a student from Ohio engaged in a year at the esteemed university before returning to the US for a political campaign consultancy. The characters’ backgrounds and relationships are further nuanced in the film, offering a glimpse into Anna’s friend circle and adding light-hearted moments to the storyline.

One pivotal aspect that sets the book and the film apart is the conclusion of the narrative. The emotional ending in the movie takes a poignant turn, revealing Jamie’s battle with a rare and incurable form of cancer, mirroring his brother’s fate. The book, on the other hand, presents a more open-ended conclusion, leaving room for interpretation and reflection on the characters’ intertwined destinies. This departure underscores the divergent storytelling choices made to evoke distinct emotional responses from readers and viewers.

The creative decisions behind the movie’s ending sparked discussions among the cast and producers, with varying perspectives on how the story should culminate. The deliberations on Jamie’s fate and the subsequent portrayal of Anna’s journey post-Jamie’s demise highlight the thematic resonance and impact of the narrative’s resolution. By weaving themes of love, loss, and resilience, the movie’s ending resonates as a testament to the enduring power of memory and legacy.

In a Hollywood landscape shaped by collaborative efforts, Whelan’s reflections shed light on the intricate dynamics involved in adapting a book for the screen. As different visions converge to shape the final outcome, the essence of the original story remains intact, transcending mediums to deliver a timeless message. Despite the varied interpretations and adaptations, the core themes of ‘My Oxford Year’ endure, resonating with audiences across different platforms.