I Give It a Year – Full Cast, Reviews and Where to Watch

“I Give It a Year” is a 2013 British romantic comedy that examines the turbulent first year of marriage through the lens of sharp British humor. Directed and written by Dan Mazer, the film features Rose Byrne as Nat and Rafe Spall as Josh, a newlywed couple whose relationship faces unexpected pressures from past flames and tempting alternatives. The movie marked Mazer’s debut as a solo director following his screenplay work on “Borat.”

Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner—the team behind beloved British comedies “Love Actually” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary”—the film brings together a transatlantic cast including Anna Faris and Simon Baker. Upon its theatrical release in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2013, the film offered audiences a contemporary take on marriage struggles, combining rom-com conventions with the pointed satirical edge that characterized Mazer’s previous work.

Running for 97 minutes and distributed by Magnolia Pictures, “I Give It a Year” explores themes of commitment, temptation, and the gap between wedding-day promises and everyday reality. The film’s premise centers on whether the central couple can survive their first year together when their families, friends, and ex-partners all seem determined to test their resolve.

Cast of I Give It a Year

The film boasts a ensemble cast that blends established British talent with American performers, creating dynamic on-screen chemistry that drives much of the comedy. Rose Byrne takes the lead role of Nat, an ambitious character navigating the challenges of newlywed life alongside her idealistic husband Josh, portrayed by Rafe Spall.

Australian actress Byrne brings her signature sharp comedic timing to the role of Nat, a character who finds herself increasingly drawn to a wealthy client named Guy, played by Australian actor Simon Baker. Rafe Spall, known for his work in British television and film, portrays Josh as a struggling novelist whose ex-girlfriend Chloe, played by American actress Anna Faris, suddenly reenters his life. Jason Flemyng appears in the supporting role of Hugh, adding another layer to the couple’s social circle.

Full Cast Overview

• Rose Byrne as Nat
• Rafe Spall as Josh
• Anna Faris as Chloe
• Simon Baker as Guy
• Jason Flemyng as Hugh
• Minnie Driver featured in trailer

Dan Mazer, who directed the film, also wrote the screenplay, bringing his distinctive comedic voice to the dialogue and character interactions. The combination of his writing with the cast’s performances creates a balance between sharp one-liners and more nuanced emotional moments.

Where to Watch I Give It a Year

For viewers interested in streaming “I Give It a Year,” the film is available through several platforms. According to current availability information, the movie can be watched with a Netflix subscription, offering convenient access for subscribers of that service. Additionally, the film is available to rent or purchase through Fandango at Home, providing flexibility for viewers who prefer digital ownership.

Regional availability may vary, and viewers in the United Kingdom should verify current streaming options, as platform libraries change periodically. The film was originally distributed in UK cinemas by Studiocanal, though physical DVD releases and digital options through platforms like Amazon UK have provided additional access over the years.

I Give It a Year Reviews and Critical Reception

Critical reception for “I Give It a Year” upon its 2013 release was mixed, with reviewers noting both the film’s strengths in casting and its weaknesses in tonal consistency. Rotten Tomatoes hosts both critic and audience scores, providing a range of perspectives on the film’s merits and shortcomings.

Critics generally praised the performances, particularly the chemistry between Byrne and Spall, as well as Anna Faris’s turn as the comically persistent ex-girlfriend. The film’s connection to the team behind “Love Actually” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary” set expectations for a certain caliber of British romantic comedy, and some reviewers felt the film didn’t quite reach those heights. Others appreciated its willingness to subvert rom-com conventions and explore less comfortable aspects of relationships.

What Critics Noted

• Strong lead performances, particularly from Rose Byrne and Rafe Spall
• Sharp comedy moments balanced against uneven dramatic beats
• Effective use of British humor and social awkwardness
• Comparisons to the “Love Actually” school of ensemble British rom-coms
• Dan Mazer’s distinctive comedic voice from his “Borat” work

Audience response has been more forgiving than critical reception in some cases, with viewers appreciating the film’s honest portrayal of relationship challenges. The transatlantic cast also resonated with viewers, and the film’s exploration of marriage pressures struck a chord with audiences who recognized the situations depicted on screen.

I Give It a Year Trailer and Promotional Material

The marketing campaign for “I Give It a Year” included several official trailers that established the film’s comedic tone and central premise. The US trailer, released in 2013 and featuring Rose Byrne alongside Minnie Driver, amassed approximately 2.5 million views. This trailer focused on the newlywed challenges facing the central couple, setting up the film’s premise of a marriage under constant external pressure.

The UK trailer from StudiocanalUK highlighted the marriage realities in a different light, emphasizing the comedy of errors that unfolds as family and friends voice their doubts about the union. The trailer’s positioning of a February 8, 2013, UK cinema release date established the film’s place in the post-Valentine’s romantic comedy landscape.

The promotional materials effectively communicated the film’s premise—that the couple’s first year of marriage would be tested by the reappearance of past romantic interests—while maintaining an upbeat comedic tone. Trailers featured snippets of the conflict between Nat and her professional temptation, Josh and his persistent ex-girlfriend, creating audience investment in the couple’s ultimate fate.

Parents Guide for I Give It a Year

For viewers considering “I Give It a Year” for family viewing or younger audiences, the film carries content that warrants consideration. The movie addresses adult themes related to relationships, marriage challenges, and infidelity temptations that make it most appropriate for mature teenage viewers and adults.

The romantic comedy includes typical rom-com elements such as mild language, romantic situations, and references to alcohol consumption during social gatherings. The film’s central conflict involves characters contemplating infidelity, though these situations are handled with comedic intent rather than explicit content.

The film’s UK release carried an appropriate rating for its content, and viewers in other regions should check their local classification systems. The comedy’s British sensibility means some dialogue and situations may appeal more to adult audiences familiar with that style of humor.

Key Facts at a Glance

Context and Background

“I Give It a Year” emerged from the British film industry’s tradition of sophisticated romantic comedies that blend humor with genuine emotional observations about relationships. The involvement of Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films connected the project to a successful lineage of UK romantic comedies, including their earlier productions that had achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Dan Mazer’s transition from writing to directing marked a notable career development. His previous work on “Borat” demonstrated his ability to use comedy for satirical purposes, and “I Give It a Year” represented his attempt to apply those skills to a more traditional romantic comedy framework. The film’s premise—that a marriage might not survive its first year—offered a somewhat cynical counterpoint to typical rom-com optimism.

The casting strategy brought together performers from different entertainment traditions—British television and film, American network comedy, and Australian productions—creating a multicultural dynamic that reflected increasingly globalized romantic relationships. This approach also broadened the film’s appeal across English-speaking markets.

Established Facts and Remaining Questions

Sources and References

Information about “I Give It a Year” draws from several established sources in film journalism and database services. Rotten Tomatoes provides aggregated critical and audience scores alongside reviews and synopsis information. The BBC has covered the film through its broadcast programming, while The Guardian published contemporary critical analysis upon the film’s release.

Additional details come from official YouTube channels associated with the film and its distributors, including trailers from Magnolia Pictures and StudiocanalUK. The combination of these sources provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding the film’s production, release, and reception.

“I Give It a Year” received attention as a project from the producers of “Love Actually” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” with director Dan Mazer bringing his distinctive voice from “Borat” to the romantic comedy genre.

Summary

“I Give It a Year” stands as a 2013 British romantic comedy that takes a somewhat skeptical view of marriage, following Nat and Josh through their challenging first year as a married couple. With Rose Byrne and Rafe Spall leading a cast that includes Anna Faris and Simon Baker, the film explores themes of commitment and temptation under the direction and writing of Dan Mazer. Currently available for streaming via Netflix and digital rental through Fandango at Home, the film continues to find audiences interested in British romantic comedies with a sharper edge. While critics offered mixed assessments, the performances and the film’s willingness to subvert rom-com conventions have maintained its relevance for viewers seeking relationship comedies that venture beyond predictable territory.

Frequently Asked Questions