Is a romantic drama that follows 17-year-old Daryn (Jaden Smith), an ambitious high school student with a bright future, who falls for Isabelle (Cara Delevingne), a rebellious young woman with a terminal illness. Upon learning that she has only a year to live, Daryn sets out to give her a lifetime’s worth of experiences in the little time she has left.
The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and living in the moment, wrapped in a heartfelt but familiar “illness romance” trope. Jaden Smith delivers a sincere performance as Daryn, convincingly portraying a teenager torn between his father’s (Cuba Gooding Jr.) high expectations and his desire to make Isabelle’s last days meaningful. Cara Delevingne brings energy and depth to Isabelle, though her character at times leans into the “manic pixie dream girl” stereotype. Their chemistry, while not the most electric, carries the film’s emotional weight.
Directed by Mitja Okorn, Life in a Year has a visually appealing, youthful aesthetic, with a contemporary soundtrack that complements its emotional beats. However, the film doesn’t break new ground in the genre. It heavily relies on clichés, and some moments feel overly melodramatic rather than deeply moving. The pacing also falters, with rushed character development in places where more nuance could have added depth.
Despite its predictability, the movie’s heart is in the right place. It delivers a touching message about love and seizing the moment, making it an emotional watch for fans of sentimental romance films like The Fault in Our Stars. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Life in a Year offers a sweet, albeit formulaic, love story that might resonate with younger audiences
