Life in a Year
Overview
"Life in a Year" follows Daryn, a driven and academically focused 17-year-old whose life is meticulously planned out by his father, Xavier, with the ultimate goal of getting into Harvard. Daryn's carefully constructed world is turned upside down when he meets the free-spirited and enigmatic Isabelle and instantly falls for her. Their budding romance takes an unexpected turn when Isabelle reveals that she has terminal cancer and has been given a year to live.
Determined to make the most of their limited time together, Daryn embarks on a mission to give Isabelle an entire lifetime of experiences in her final year. This journey of love and self-discovery forces Daryn to confront the expectations placed upon him and to find his own voice, both literally and figuratively, as Isabelle encourages his passion for rapping. The film explores the tender and often painful moments of their relationship as they navigate Isabelle's declining health and the emotional toll it takes on them and their families.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Life in a Year" revolves around the profound message of living life to the fullest in the present moment, rather than being solely focused on future plans. The film suggests that a life, no matter how short, can be complete and meaningful if filled with love, authentic experiences, and the pursuit of one's true passions. Director Mitja Okorn aimed to capture a raw and genuine emotional story that would resonate with audiences, emphasizing that love and emotional connection are the most vital aspects of life, even in the face of immense hardship and mortality. The film posits that true love involves sacrifice, support, and encouraging one another to be their authentic selves, even when it means deviating from a predetermined path.
Thematic DNA
Carpe Diem and the Preciousness of Time
The most prominent theme is the idea of 'seizing the day.' Isabelle's diagnosis forces both her and Daryn to confront the finite nature of time. Daryn's initial, meticulously planned approach to giving her 'a life in a year' gradually evolves into an understanding that it's the quality and authenticity of their shared moments, not a checklist of milestones, that truly matters. The film constantly reminds the audience of how quickly life can change and the importance of cherishing the present.
Self-Discovery and Authenticity vs. Parental Expectations
Daryn's character arc is a journey of breaking free from the rigid expectations of his father, Xavier. Before meeting Isabelle, his life is a reflection of his father's ambitions. Isabelle acts as a catalyst for Daryn to discover his own passions, particularly his talent for rapping, which symbolizes his authentic voice. His decision to prioritize Isabelle and his music over the Harvard plan represents his coming-of-age and the courage to define his own version of a successful life.
Love, Sacrifice, and Devotion
The film portrays love as a powerful force that requires immense sacrifice and unwavering devotion. Daryn is willing to give up his planned future to be with Isabelle, and he remains by her side through the most challenging and unglamorous aspects of her illness. Their love story is not just about romantic gestures but about the profound commitment to support each other through pain and adversity. The film explores what real love means, highlighting its capacity to be both painful and redemptive.
Social Class and Connection
The film touches upon the differences in social class between Daryn's affluent, structured world and Isabelle's precarious, independent life. Daryn's father initially disapproves of Isabelle due to her background. However, the love between Daryn and Isabelle transcends these societal barriers, suggesting that emotional connection and shared humanity are more significant than wealth or social standing.
Character Analysis
Daryn
Jaden Smith
Motivation
Initially, his motivation is to succeed academically to please his father. After meeting Isabelle, his primary motivation shifts to providing her with a lifetime of happiness in the short time she has left, which in turn leads him to discover his own desires and motivations outside of his father's influence.
Character Arc
Daryn begins as an obedient and disciplined son, focused solely on fulfilling his father's dream of him attending Harvard. His journey is one of awakening and rebellion. Through his relationship with Isabelle, he learns to question the path laid out for him and discovers his own passions. He transforms from a boy living for his father's approval into a young man who understands the importance of living authentically and for the moment. By the end, he has reconciled with his father on his own terms and pursues his dream of being a musician.
Isabelle
Cara Delevingne
Motivation
Her initial motivation is to live her remaining days on her own terms, keeping emotional attachments at a distance. As she falls for Daryn, her motivation becomes to experience genuine love and to push him to live his life authentically, ensuring he doesn't waste his potential by living for someone else.
Character Arc
Isabelle starts as a fiercely independent, guarded, and somewhat cynical character, a result of a difficult upbringing and her illness. While she acts as the catalyst for Daryn's change, she also undergoes her own development. Her relationship with Daryn allows her to open up, experience profound love, and find a sense of family and belonging she lacked. She also reconciles with her estranged mother, finding peace before her death. Her journey is about learning to let someone in and to accept love despite her tragic circumstances.
Xavier
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Motivation
His motivation is to ensure his son's success and financial security, which he equates with a prestigious education and career. He wants to protect Daryn from what he perceives as distractions and hardships.
Character Arc
Xavier is initially presented as the primary antagonist to Daryn's happiness, a domineering father who relentlessly pushes his own ambitions onto his son. He is rigid and disapproving of Isabelle. However, his arc reveals that his actions stem from a place of love and a desire to provide his son with opportunities he never had. By the end of the film, after a major conflict with Daryn and witnessing the depth of his son's love for Isabelle, Xavier softens and they reconcile, with Xavier coming to understand and respect Daryn's choices.
Symbols & Motifs
Daryn's Rap Music
Daryn's passion for rapping symbolizes his true self and his inner voice, which has been suppressed by his father's expectations. It represents his desire for self-expression and a life that is not dictated by a pre-written script. His music becomes the medium through which he can process his emotions and connect with Isabelle on a deeper level.
Initially, Daryn's rapping is a hidden hobby. Isabelle discovers and encourages this talent, helping him record his first demo. His journey as a rapper runs parallel to his personal growth. Ultimately, after Isabelle's passing, he pursues a music career in New York, signifying that he has fully embraced his authentic self, a gift that Isabelle helped him unlock.
Isabelle's Wigs and Changing Hair Color
Isabelle's various wigs with different, often vibrant, hair colors symbolize her rebellious spirit and her attempt to live life on her own terms, even in the face of her illness. They represent a facade of control and a way to express her personality when her body is failing her. The act of shaving her head, and Daryn shaving his in solidarity, is a moment of vulnerability and acceptance of her reality.
Throughout the film, Isabelle is seen with different hairstyles and colors, reflecting her spontaneous and non-conformist nature. When she starts to lose her hair due to chemotherapy, the wigs become a more significant part of her identity. The moment Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne both shaved their heads for their roles was a significant part of their character portrayal.
Memorable Quotes
The only way to learn about life is by living. And I've learned that every moment is your moment.
— Isabelle
Context:
This is part of Isabelle's posthumous message to Daryn, which he hears on the radio. She has sent his demo tape to a radio station, and her words serve as a final encouragement for him to live fully and pursue his dreams.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates the central theme of the film. It's a powerful statement about the importance of active participation in one's own life and cherishing every second, a lesson Isabelle imparts to Daryn and the audience.
I have a plan, Izzy. We're gonna live our full life, all the milestones, all in this year. Me and you.
— Daryn
Context:
Daryn says this to Isabelle after learning about her diagnosis. He is trying to convince her to be with him and to not give up on experiencing life, even with her limited time.
Meaning:
This quote highlights Daryn's initial, somewhat naive, determination to conquer Isabelle's illness through sheer force of will and planning. It shows his deep love for her and his desire to give her everything, while also setting up the film's exploration of how life, love, and death cannot always be neatly organized.
Is that what you really want, though?
— Isabelle
Context:
Isabelle asks Daryn this as he is listing all the things he does to build his resume for Harvard, such as student council and track. Her question forces him to confront the fact that he is not passionate about these activities.
Meaning:
This simple question is a turning point for Daryn. It's the first time someone challenges him to look beyond the life plan his father has created for him and to consider his own desires. It represents the beginning of his journey toward self-discovery.
Philosophical Questions
What constitutes a 'full' life?
The film directly challenges the conventional idea of a full life being a long one filled with specific milestones like career success, marriage, and children. Daryn's attempt to cram these milestones into one year highlights the artificiality of such a checklist. The film suggests that a full life is defined by the depth of one's experiences, the authenticity of one's choices, and the love one gives and receives, regardless of its duration.
To what extent should we live for others versus ourselves?
Daryn's central conflict revolves around this question. He initially lives to fulfill his father's expectations, believing it to be the correct path. His relationship with Isabelle teaches him the importance of pursuing his own dreams. However, he then dedicates his life to her needs. The film explores the balance between selfless devotion to a loved one and the necessity of personal fulfillment, ultimately suggesting that true love involves supporting each other's individual growth.
How should one confront the inevitability of death?
The film presents two initial approaches to mortality: Isabelle's cynical and detached acceptance and Daryn's attempt to defy it through meticulous planning. As the story progresses, they find a middle ground. They don't ignore the reality of her illness, but they also don't let it completely define their present. The film advocates for an approach that acknowledges death not by dwelling on it, but by using it as a motivator to live more presently and meaningfully.
Cultural Impact
"Life in a Year" was released in 2020 and falls into the popular, albeit often formulaic, subgenre of young adult romance known as 'sick-lit,' which deals with terminal illness, similar to films like "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Five Feet Apart." While it didn't revolutionize the genre, it contributed to the ongoing conversation about mortality, love, and the meaning of life among younger audiences. The film's reception was mixed, with many critics pointing out its predictable storyline and reliance on genre clichés. However, many viewers and some critics praised the genuine chemistry between Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne and the film's heartfelt emotional core. The movie's release on streaming platforms rather than a wide theatrical release, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, meant it found its audience in a more direct-to-consumer fashion. It didn't have a massive cultural footprint but resonated with its target demographic of teenagers and young adults who enjoy emotional romantic dramas.
Audience Reception
Audience reception for "Life in a Year" was generally more positive than critical reviews, with many viewers finding it to be a touching and emotional film. The chemistry between Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne was frequently praised as a highlight, with many feeling their connection was genuine and compelling. Audiences were often moved to tears by the story, appreciating its heartfelt moments and exploration of young love in the face of tragedy. However, a common point of criticism from both audiences and critics was the film's predictability and use of familiar tropes within the teen romance and 'sick-lit' genres. Some viewers found the plot to be cliché and emotionally manipulative. Despite this, the overall verdict from many viewers was that it was a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy romantic dramas and were looking for a good cry.
Interesting Facts
- Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith served as executive producers for the film through their production company, Overbrook Entertainment.
- Jaden Smith was attached to the project from its early stages.
- Director Mitja Okorn was not familiar with Cara Delevingne's acting work initially, but after watching her interviews and funny moments on YouTube, he was convinced she had the perfect 'pure, honest, crazy, special, and funny' energy for the role of Isabelle.
- Both Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne shaved their heads for their roles to accurately portray Isabelle's journey with chemotherapy.
- During the first table read of the script, Will Smith was reportedly moved to tears, which convinced director Mitja Okorn that the film would be emotionally powerful.
- Cuba Gooding Jr. replaced Terrence Howard in the role of Daryn's father, Xavier.
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