Life in a Year

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 27, 2020

Genre
Romantic Drama

Cast & Crew

• Jaden Smith as Daryn
• Cara Delevingne as Isabelle
• Cuba Gooding Jr. as Xavier
• Nia Long as Catherine
• RZA as Ron
• JT Neal as Sammy

Director
Mitja Okorn

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Letters to Santa (2011)
• Planet Single (2016)

Producer

• Will Smith
• Jada Pinkett Smith
• James Lassiter
• Caleeb Pinkett
• Marc Bienstock

Writer

• Jeffrey Addiss
• Will Matthews

Budget
Estimated at $15 million

Production Company

• Overbrook Entertainment
• Columbia Pictures
• Sony Pictures Entertainment

Running Time
107 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Thematic elements related to illness and mortality
• Some drug references

Movie Story
“Life in a Year” is a romantic drama that follows the story of Daryn (Jaden Smith), a bright and ambitious high school senior with his life planned out by his father, Xavier (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Daryn is on track to attend Harvard, pursue a successful career, and follow the path that has been meticulously laid out for him. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Isabelle (Cara Delevingne), a free-spirited and artistic young woman who lives by her own rules.

Isabelle’s carefree attitude and passion for life intrigue Daryn, and the two quickly form a deep connection. However, their budding romance is soon overshadowed by a heartbreaking revelation: Isabelle is terminally ill and has only a year to live. Determined to make Isabelle’s last year the best it can be, Daryn decides to create a lifetime of memories in the time they have left together.

As Daryn embarks on this journey, he learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and what it truly means to live. The film explores themes of mortality, the pressures of societal expectations, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Isabelle’s condition forces Daryn to confront the reality that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences come from embracing the unexpected.

“Life in a Year” is a poignant and emotional story about two young people finding love in the face of adversity. The film highlights the transformative power of love and the ways in which it can help individuals grow, change, and find their true selves.

Special Effects
“Life in a Year” focuses on character-driven storytelling rather than relying on special effects. The film’s emotional impact is conveyed through its performances, dialogue, and intimate cinematography, which captures the tenderness and intensity of Daryn and Isabelle’s relationship. The visual style reflects the contrasting worlds of the two characters—Daryn’s structured, goal-oriented life versus Isabelle’s spontaneous, artistic approach to living in the moment.

Box Office Performance
“Life in a Year” was released directly on Amazon Prime Video and did not have a traditional theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne, while others felt the film was formulaic and relied on familiar tropes. Despite the mixed reception, the movie found an audience among fans of romantic dramas and those drawn to its emotional storyline.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “You don’t need to plan everything, Daryn. Sometimes, you just need to live.” – Isabelle
• “We’re not promised tomorrow, so we have to make the most of today.” – Daryn

Behind-the-Scenes
“Life in a Year” was a passion project for the Smith family, with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith serving as producers. The film’s story is meant to resonate with young audiences, exploring themes of love, loss, and the pressures of growing up in a world that often prioritizes success over personal happiness. Director Mitja Okorn aimed to create a film that balances the emotional weight of the subject matter with moments of joy and hope, reflecting the complexity of life itself.

Awards

• None, though the performances by the lead actors were noted by critics.

Final Verdict
“Life in a Year” is a heartfelt and touching romantic drama that explores the themes of love, mortality, and the importance of living in the moment. Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne deliver sincere performances that anchor the film, bringing depth and emotion to their roles. While the movie may follow a familiar formula, it offers a moving portrayal of young love in the face of tragedy. Fans of emotional romantic dramas will find “Life in a Year” to be a poignant and reflective watch.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10