I Give It a Year Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple gets married, everyone hates it, they hate it, and then they all swap partners in a very British way.

🍿 I Give It a Year: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Whirlwind Romance and Wedding

Nat, a driven marketing executive, and Josh, a struggling writer, impulsively marry after only seven months of dating, defying the skepticism of their friends and family. The wedding itself is a comedic showcase of awkward moments, hinting at the challenges to come.

First Year Challenges

As their first year progresses, Nat and Josh face increasing friction due to their differing personalities and lifestyles. Nat finds Josh’s carefree attitude and lack of ambition frustrating, while Josh struggles with Nat’s demanding career and lack of spontaneity. These issues are highlighted through a series of humorous and often cringe-worthy situations.

Temptation Arises

Further complicating their marriage are the temptations presented by others. Nat is drawn to Guy, a charming and successful American client, while Josh reconnects with his ex-girlfriend Chloe, a free-spirited aid worker. These potential relationships force Nat and Josh to confront their feelings and the viability of their marriage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nat (Rose Byrne): A driven marketing executive, Nat impulsively marries Josh but struggles with their incompatibilities and is tempted by a charming American client.
• Josh (Rafe Spall): A struggling novelist, Josh marries Nat after a whirlwind romance but faces challenges in their contrasting lifestyles and the reappearance of an ex-girlfriend.
• Chloe (Anna Faris): Josh’s ex-girlfriend, Chloe, returns from Africa and rekindles old feelings, complicating his already strained marriage to Nat.
• Guy (Simon Baker): A wealthy and attractive American client, Guy becomes a temptation for Nat, highlighting the issues within her marriage to Josh.
• Danny (Stephen Merchant): Josh’s crude and outspoken best friend, Danny provides inappropriate humor and exacerbates tensions between Nat and Josh.
• Naomi (Minnie Driver): Nat’s sister, Naomi, offers a cynical perspective on marriage, highlighting its potential for unhappiness and resentment.
• Linda (Olivia Colman): The couple’s cynical marriage counselor, Linda, delivers blunt and often inappropriate advice while struggling with her own marital problems.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nat: “We have an incredible sex life, but that’s not the point. I love the Michael Jackson ‘Off the Wall’ album, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to only listen to that the rest of my life.” – Nat expresses her need for more than just physical attraction in a relationship.
• Naomi: “Yeah, Oh honey, I been there. I mean you’ll listen to it a lot in the beginning. You’ll listen to it in all sorts of places. You’ll listen to it in the car, in the disabled toilet cubicle in the McDonald’s in Egham… in your unconscious Granny’s hospital room.” – Naomi describes how sex will be listened in all sorts of places with this couple.
• Danny: “I’ve had sex with a bridesmaid.” – The best man’s wedding speech which caused huge awkwardness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $34,657
• Worldwide Gross: $29,128,433

💥 I Give It a Year Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I admit, I went into this movie expecting a typical rom-com, but it surprised me! The humor is definitely British and a little raunchy, but it’s also surprisingly relatable. I found myself cringing at the awkward moments and laughing out loud at Stephen Merchant’s outrageous lines. The ending might be divisive, but I thought it was a refreshing twist on the genre. It’s definitely a fun watch if you don’t take it too seriously and just want a good laugh, just don’t watch it with your parents!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British humor”
  • “Viewers who enjoy unconventional romantic comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate relationship-based comedies with cringe-worthy moments”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive humor”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “”I Give It a Year” offers a refreshingly cynical take on romantic comedies, smartly exploring the challenges of marriage with witty dialogue and relatable characters.
• Metacritic: “While “I Give It a Year” boasts a talented cast and some genuinely funny moments, its reliance on crude humor and predictable plot points ultimately undermines its potential.
• IMDb: “This is a good little film, but it does have some issues. A lot of the jokes are predictable and some are not that funny, and Rose Byrne, as good as she is, seems a little bit miscast. The rest of the cast are all superb. Overall, an enjoyable Rom-Com if you’re not expecting too much.

Audience Reactions

Stephen Merchant’s performance is a standout, delivering hilariously inappropriate lines that steal every scene.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s British humor and the unexpected twists it offers.

Some find the film relatable due to the realistic portrayal of marital challenges and awkward situations.: The movie is often praised for its witty dialogue and the chemistry between the actors.

Overall Consensus: “I Give It a Year” is a divisive but enjoyable British comedy that offers a cynical and sometimes crude take on modern marriage. Its humor may not appeal to everyone, but the film’s witty dialogue and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate unconventional rom-coms.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Dan Mazer, known for his work with Sacha Baron Cohen, wanted to create a British romantic comedy that subverted genre tropes.”
• “The film explores the uncomfortable realities and awkward moments that can arise in a marriage, aiming for humor rooted in relatability.”
• “The initial premise of the film was considered subversive, exploring the consequences of rushing into marriage and the challenges of commitment.”

🖥️ How to Watch I Give It a Year?

I Give It a Year is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, and for purchase or rental on services such as Apple TV and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for cable availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I Give It a Year, you might like these similar films:

• Love Actually (2003): Shares a similar ensemble cast and explores various interconnected love stories in London.
• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994): A classic British rom-com with witty dialogue and memorable characters navigating relationship challenges.
• Bridesmaids (2011): Features a strong female ensemble cast and raunchy humor.
• Celeste and Jesse Forever (2012): Explores a couple navigating the complexities of divorce with humor and emotional depth.

🛒 I Give It a Year Related Products

• I Give It a Year [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of the film! This Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and cast interviews. Perfect for completing your collection.
• British Comedy Collection [DVD]: Stream the movie instantly! This digital version is perfect for watching on the go, anytime, anywhere. Also includes access to exclusive bonus features.
• I Give It a Year Movie Poster: Decorate your space with this high-quality poster featuring the film’s iconic imagery. Perfect for movie rooms, bedrooms, or offices.
• “Keep Calm and Call a Divorce Lawyer” Mug: Start your day with a laugh with this movie-inspired mug. Perfect for coffee, tea, or any beverage of your choice.

🎧 Soundtrack

I Give It a Year features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Never Knew Love Like This Before” – performed by Jessie Ware

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

I Give It A Year – Stephen Merchant’s Best Man Speech

OMG, you HAVE to see Stephen Merchant’s best man speech from this movie! It’s so cringeworthy, but hilarious at the same time – I was dying of laughter!

SEXY Simon Baker talks to a BABY in Paris

Check out this clip of Simon Baker promoting ‘I Give It a Year’ in Paris! He’s super charming and even talks to a baby – how cute is that?!

Stephen Merchant Interview – An Idiot Abroad Series 4 ? – I Give It A Year European Premiere

Want to know what Stephen Merchant was thinking during the ‘I Give It A Year’ premiere? This short interview gives you a peek behind the curtain…plus there’s a hint about another ‘Idiot Abroad’ season!

✨ Rate