The story of This Time Next Year
There's something inherently romantic about the idea of two people born at the exact same moment, in the exact same place, living completely different lives—and then colliding again when they least expect it. This Time Next Year builds its entire premise on that delicious coincidence. Minnie and Quinn arrived in a London hospital on New Year's Day, separated by just sixty seconds, but that minute might as well have been thirty years. By the time New Year's Eve rolls around again, they're entirely different people: different jobs, different cities, different versions of who they thought they'd become. The film reunites them in their hometown on the most date-heavy night of the year, and what unfolds is equal parts awkward, funny, and unexpectedly moving. The tagline says it all: "It's a love-fate relationship."
Behind the making of This Time Next Year
This Time Next Year is adapted from Sophie Cousens' novel of the same name—a book that clearly struck a chord with readers hungry for a grounded, character-driven love story. Director Nick Moore brings the material to the screen with a light touch, letting the chemistry between his leads do the heavy lifting rather than drowning the premise in melodrama. The film stars Lucien Laviscount and Sophie Cookson, both of whom have solid pedigrees in television and film. Laviscount's worked across shows like Riverdale and films with major streaming platforms, while Cookson's resume includes Bodyguard and The Huntsman: Winter's War—so there's actual craft behind the performances here, not just charisma. Night Train Media, BlackBox Multimedia, and Vargo Film produced the project, and it hit UK cinemas on 3 June 2024 with a runtime of 116 minutes, giving the story room to breathe without overstaying its welcome. The film's 6.086 IMDb rating suggests it's landed somewhere in the "genuinely entertaining but not life-changing" zone—which, honestly, is exactly where a lot of solid romantic comedies should live.
What makes This Time Next Year stand out
The thing nobody mentions is how hard it is to make a rom-com that doesn't feel like it's checking boxes. What's striking about This Time Next Year is that it commits to the weirdness of its premise instead of running away from it. Two people born on the same day, thirty years apart, meeting again? That's not subtle. That's not "we met on the Tube and had a meet-cute." It's fate-coded, and the film leans into that without winking at the camera. The performances ground what could've been a gimmick—Cookson and Laviscount bring genuine vulnerability to characters who are supposed to be broken in complementary ways, the kind of emotional specificity that transforms a setup into something you actually care about. There's also something quietly subversive about a romantic comedy that doesn't pretend the couple has to fix each other; instead, they're both just figuring out who they are, and that turns out to be enough. The dialogue crackles in places—not every scene, but enough to remind you that this came from a novelist, not a screenwriter working from a formula. It's not a perfect film, but it's earnest in a way that modern rom-coms often aren't, and that earnestness is what keeps you watching.
How to watch This Time Next Year online
This Time Next Year is available on major OTT services, and checking where it's streaming right now is easy—just look at the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page. Since streaming rights shift constantly across regions and platforms, Movie OTT tracks the current availability so you don't have to hunt through five different apps. Whether you're looking to rent, buy, or stream it as part of a subscription, the widget will show you exactly where the film is available in your area. The 116-minute runtime makes it perfect for a weekend viewing—long enough to feel substantial, short enough that you won't feel like you've committed your entire evening.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is This Time Next Year based on a true story?
No, it's an adaptation of Sophie Cousens' novel, which is a work of fiction. The premise about two people born a minute apart is a fictional conceit designed to explore themes of fate and second chances.
Q: Who directed This Time Next Year?
Nick Moore directed the film, bringing a light, character-focused approach to Sophie Cousens' adaptation of her own novel.
Q: What's the runtime of This Time Next Year?
The film runs 116 minutes, giving the story enough space to develop the characters and their reunion without unnecessary padding.
Q: Where can I watch This Time Next Year?
It's currently available on major streaming platforms. Check the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of the page for the most up-to-date availability in your region, or visit movieott.com to search for current streaming options.
Q: Is This Time Next Year a good romantic comedy?
Yes—it's a solid entry in the genre that prioritizes character and earnestness over cynicism. While it won't reinvent the wheel, it's genuinely charming and features strong performances from its leads.
Final thoughts on This Time Next Year
If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy that doesn't insult your intelligence, This Time Next Year delivers. It's got a clever premise, likeable leads, and the kind of emotional sincerity that's become rarer in the genre. It won't blow your mind, but it might just warm your heart—and on a cold night when you're scrolling through streaming options, that's often exactly what you need. The film understands that sometimes the best love stories aren't about grand gestures; they're about two people realizing they've been waiting for each other all along.
