I Give It A Year is a new British romantic comedy that tells of the story of young couple’s first year of marriage.
Nat and Josh, played by Rose Byrne and Rafe Spall, are very different but after meeting at a party they fall in love and marry after just seven months together. At their wedding ceremony parents and friends express their concerns over how long the marriage will last, prompting the line that gives the film its title: “I Give It A Year”.
Our lead couple quickly realise how ill-suited they are, and with distractions such as Josh’s ex-girlfriend (who he never “properly” broke up with) and Nat’s extremely attractive new business client, they fight to make it to their one year anniversary.
The film is directed by Dan Mazer, who is best known for writing the Sacha Baron Cohen films Bruno and Borat. It’s nice to see him try his hand at something less crude, but still keep in touch with his comedy side. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this film – much more than in your average romantic-comedy. This could be down to Mazer or it could be that it’s a British film so its sense of humour sits better in the UK. Either way it’s hilarious. Stephen Merchant and Minnie Driver in particular give stand-out, if small, performances.
The main characters are also very well played, however, Rafe Spall out-shines his on-screen wife as his character is just so likable. Nat’s character can sometimes come off as a little cold and rude so you find yourself siding with Josh. Anna Farris and Simon Baker are brilliant as the couple’s extra-marital love interests and Baker, as always, is an absolute treat for the ladies.
One problem with the film is its ending, which is highly improbable and idealistic. However, you have to remember it’s only a film and by this point you’re already so in love with the characters it’s not a huge issue.
I Give It A Year is without a doubt one of the best, and funniest, British films to be released the last few years and is highly recommended to both men and women!
[rating=4]
