*Warning: Contains major spoilers for My Oxford Year*
A fresh romantic comedy on Netflix has prompted viewers to demand a trigger warning following a devastating twist in the plot.
My Oxford Year landed on the platform on August 1 and has already rocketed to the summit of the streaming service’s most-watched films chart.
The movie centres on American student Anna (Sofia Carson) who embarks on a year-long poetry programme at Oxford University.
Whilst she arrives at the esteemed institution with a clear-cut plan, it becomes rapidly disrupted by teaching assistant Jamie (Corey Mylchreest) who transforms the trajectory of her life permanently, reports the Mirror.
Despite being marketed as a tear-jerker on Netflix, alongside carrying a caution for an “illness theme”, certain viewers have been taken aback by how the narrative develops.
It becomes apparent throughout the film that Jamie, who has attempted to avoid becoming deeply devoted to Anna, is acting in such a manner because he suffers from terminal cancer.
He has also declined to continue with treatment despite his family’s protests.
Ultimately the duo acknowledge they cannot escape from their undeniable bond and they pursue their romance.
In a devastating conclusion, after being afflicted with a serious bout of pneumonia, Anna remains beside Jamie and they discuss the future during his dying moments. A montage unfolds, showcasing the duo journeying across the globe together.
However, it is later revealed that this is merely Anna’s fantasy and she is exploring Amsterdam, Greece, Paris and Venice entirely on her own, while Jamie has tragically passed away beside her in bed.
The heart-wrenching scene has sparked complaints from viewers who were unaware of the cancer storyline.
“This was so sad. If I had known I wouldn’t have watched it,” one distressed viewer shared, while another commented: “Just finished watching this and didn’t quite realise what the plot was. Enjoyable film – but have tissues at the ready!”
An emotional post from a third viewer read: “Netflix, this is a lovely film but I was a bit ambushed by it. I’ve got cancer and was looking for a nice bit of escapism only to find the complete opposite with this film. This happened only the other week with another of your films with similar content.
“I appreciate why it wasn’t in the synopsis for the film but do you think you could look into trigger filters.”
My Oxford Year is based on a novel of the same name by Julia Whelan, with the screenplay penned by Allison Burnett (Autumn in New York) and Melissa Osborne. Meanwhile, The Inbetweeners writer Iain Morris served as director.
Leading actress Carson, who also executive produced the film, explained why Morris’ comedic brain was so crucial for the story. She told Netflix’s Tudum: “Iain Morris created one of the most iconic pieces of British television, The Inbetweeners.
“You simply cannot have a British romance without iconic British humor. Iain’s vision of this film brought to life a sweeping, heartbreaking romance that is simultaneously grounded in laughter. In one scene, you can fall in love, have your heart broken, cry, and laugh – all in the same breath.”
My Oxford Year is now streaming on Netflix