Life in a Year Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich kid tries to cram a lifetime of experiences into a year for his dying girlfriend, proving that love can’t cure cancer, but can definitely make you question your life choices.

🍿 Life in a Year: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Daryn’s Ambitious Plans

Daryn, a driven 17-year-old, is focused on getting into Harvard. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Isabelle. He creates a plan to give her a lifetime of experiences in a single year after discovering she is terminally ill.

A Whirlwind Romance

Daryn and Isabelle embark on a series of adventures together, checking items off a bucket list that includes everything from getting tattoos to experiencing different cultures. Their relationship deepens as they face Isabelle’s declining health, learning valuable lessons about love and life.

Confronting Reality

As Isabelle’s condition worsens, Daryn struggles to cope with the inevitable. They both learn to appreciate the precious moments they have left, navigating the emotional challenges of terminal illness while trying to create lasting memories. This section explores the impact of the illness on their relationship and individual growth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Daryn (Jaden Smith): A determined 17-year-old who plans to give his dying girlfriend a lifetime of experiences in her final year.
• Isabelle (Cara Delevingne): A spirited young woman facing a terminal illness, who unexpectedly finds love and adventure.
• Xavier (Cuba Gooding Jr.): Daryn’s overbearing father who initially disapproves of his son’s relationship with Isabelle.
• Catherine (Nia Long): Daryn’s mother who tries to support her son’s choices amidst difficult circumstances.
• Phil (Chris D’Elia): Daryn’s friend who provides comedic relief and support throughout Daryn and Isabelle’s journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Daryn: “I just want her to be happy.” – Daryn expresses his primary motivation for dedicating himself to Isabelle during her final year.
• Isabelle: “I don’t want to be remembered as the cancer girl.” – Isabelle voices her desire to be seen as more than just her illness, highlighting her struggle for identity.
• Xavier: “You can’t just change your life for someone else.” – Daryn’s father expresses his concern about his son sacrificing his future plans for Isabelle.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $43,862

💥 Life in a Year Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a typical teen drama, but it definitely hit me harder than I thought. Seeing Daryn’s dedication to Isabelle was really touching, even if some of their adventures felt a little unrealistic. The scene where they… well, you know… was so emotional and raw. It made me think about how I would spend my last year, and honestly, I’d probably just binge-watch TV. But this movie makes you want to *live*.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of teen romance dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy emotional stories”
  • “Audiences interested in films about terminal illness and personal growth”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes of terminal illness”
  • “Brief drug use”
  • “Emotional scenes of grief and loss”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb Critic: “While the premise is touching, the execution is often melodramatic. Cara Delevingne delivers a strong performance, but Jaden Smith struggles to convey the required emotional depth. The film relies heavily on clichés and predictable plot points, ultimately diminishing its impact.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “”Life in a Year” attempts to be a poignant love story, but fails to rise above its formulaic structure. Despite some heartfelt moments, the film is bogged down by uneven performances and a contrived narrative. It’s a well-intentioned but ultimately forgettable drama.

Audience Reactions

Cara Delevingne’s performance as Isabelle was incredibly moving and authentic.: Most viewers appreciated the movie’s emotional impact and the exploration of love and loss.

The soundtrack perfectly complemented the film’s emotional tone and added to the overall viewing experience.: Many viewers praised the chemistry between Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne, despite some criticisms of Smith’s acting.

Overall Consensus: A melodramatic teen romance with heartfelt moments, but ultimately hindered by clichés and uneven performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chris D’Elia shared that during filming, Cuba Gooding Jr. received news of his father’s passing. Despite this, Cuba requested a brief moment to compose himself and then returned to finish the scene, showcasing his dedication.”
• “The movie’s filming locations included Toronto, Ontario, Canada.”
• “Jaden Smith also performed songs for the soundtrack, showcasing his musical talents alongside his acting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Life in a Year?

Life in a Year is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Life in a Year, you might like these similar films:

• A Walk to Remember (2002): A classic teen romance where a popular boy falls for a girl with a terminal illness, focusing on their journey of love and acceptance.
• The Fault in Our Stars (2014): Deals with similar themes of young love, terminal illness, and finding meaning in life despite difficult circumstances.
• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015): Explores themes of friendship and coming-of-age amidst a teenage girl’s battle with cancer.
• Five Feet Apart (2019): Two young patients with cystic fibrosis fall in love, but must maintain a safe distance from one another, examining themes of love and loss.

🛒 Life in a Year Related Products

• Life in a Year (Digital Download): Stream or download the movie in high definition and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.
• Life in a Year: The Official Soundtrack: Download the official soundtrack featuring tracks from the movie, including Jaden Smith’s original songs. Immerse yourself in the music that captured the film’s emotional essence.
• Cara Delevingne Signed Movie Poster: A limited-edition movie poster signed by Cara Delevingne herself! A rare collector’s item for fans of the actress and the film.
• Jaden Smith – SYRE Album: Experience Jaden Smith’s acclaimed album SYRE, showcasing his musical talents and unique artistic vision. Dive into his world of diverse sounds and lyrical depth.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Bounce Back” – performed by Big Sean
• “Life In A Year” – performed by Jaden Smith
• “I Got This” – performed by Jaden Smith

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

He loves her unconditionally, no matter the circumstances 😭🥹❤️

Wow, this short clip is intense! The love between these characters is so powerful, you really feel it. Check it out if you want a quick taste of what the movie is all about – get ready for some feels!

In Conversation With Jaden Smith And Cara Delevingne For Life In A Year | Entertainment Weekly

Ever wonder what Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne think about their roles in ‘Life in a Year’? This interview is super insightful! They chat about everything from the music to their characters – definitely worth a watch if you want a deeper understanding of the movie.

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