Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Dan Mazer
Cast: Rose Byrne, Rafe Spall, Anna Faris, Simon Baker, Stephen Merchant, Minnie Driver
I Give It a Year flips the traditional romantic comedy on its head by asking what happens after the fairy-tale wedding. Instead of focusing on a couple falling in love, it dives into the rocky first year of marriage between Nat (Rose Byrne), an ambitious businesswoman, and Josh (Rafe Spall), a struggling writer. Though their whirlwind romance led them quickly to the altar, cracks begin to show almost immediately as mismatched personalities, petty disagreements, and temptations from other potential partners test their fragile bond.
The film thrives on its sharp, often cringe-inducing humor, blending awkward situations with biting satire about relationships and societal expectations of marriage. Byrne brings poise and wit to Nat, capturing her frustrations and insecurities, while Spall’s dry humor and bumbling charm make Josh both sympathetic and exasperating. Their chemistry intentionally feels off-kilter, highlighting the incompatibility at the heart of their relationship.
Adding to the mix are Guy (Simon Baker), a suave and successful businessman who sets his sights on Nat, and Chloe (Anna Faris), Josh’s free-spirited ex-girlfriend whose genuine warmth makes him reconsider his choices. Both provide tempting “what if” alternatives, complicating the couple’s already precarious situation. Meanwhile, Stephen Merchant steals scenes with his outrageous and wildly inappropriate best-man character, delivering some of the film’s most outrageous laughs. Minnie Driver also shines as Nat’s cynical sister, offering a blisteringly funny counterpoint to the romantic idealism surrounding marriage.
Directed by Dan Mazer, known for his work with Sacha Baron Cohen, the film doesn’t shy away from edgy or uncomfortable comedy, aiming for laughs through awkward realism rather than fairy-tale sweetness. While some critics felt its tonal shifts between raunchy humor and heartfelt moments were uneven, others praised it for daring to satirize the “happily ever after” narrative.
Ultimately, I Give It a Year is a cheeky, irreverent take on marriage, examining the fragility of love when the honeymoon phase fades. With its blend of sharp comedy, relatable tension, and unexpected honesty, it offers a fresh twist on the romantic comedy formula.
📺 Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and digital platforms.
