If you’ve ever felt like the universe has a personal vendetta against you, you’ll probably find a kindred spirit in Minnie Cooper. No, not the car. The girl. She’s the heart of the movie adaptation of Sophie Cousens’ bestseller, and honestly, the cast of This Time Next Year film is exactly why this story works as well as it does on screen. It’s one of those British rom-coms that feels like a warm blanket and a cup of tea, mostly because the people playing these roles actually seem like they could exist in real life (well, a slightly more polished, cinematic version of it).
The premise is kinda wild but also weirdly relatable if you’re superstitious. Minnie and Quinn were born in the same hospital, on the same New Year's Day, just one minute apart. But while Quinn got the "lucky" name and a life of privilege, Minnie ended up with a lifetime of bad luck and a name she hates. Fast forward thirty years, and they crash into each other again.
Meet the Leads: Sophie Cookson and Lucien Laviscount
At the center of everything, you have Sophie Cookson playing Minnie. You might remember her from Kingsman: The Secret Service, where she was a lot more... tactical. Here, she’s wonderfully chaotic. She’s a baker struggling to keep her business afloat, constantly dealing with New Year’s Eve disasters. Cookson brings this frantic, messy energy to Minnie that makes her feel human rather than just a "clumsy rom-com lead" trope.
Then there’s Lucien Laviscount as Quinn Hamilton. If you’ve seen Emily in Paris, you know he basically specializes in being effortlessly charming. In this film, he’s the "lucky" one, but the story gives him more layers than just being a rich guy with a nice face. He’s navigating his own pressures and expectations, and his chemistry with Cookson is what really anchors the movie. They don’t just fall into bed; they actually talk, which is sort of a novelty in the genre these days.
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The Powerhouse Supporting Cast
What really elevates this from a standard TV movie to something worth your evening is the supporting lineup. We’re talking British acting royalty here.
- Golda Rosheuvel (Tara): Fresh off her iconic run as Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton, Rosheuvel plays Quinn’s mother. She’s got this presence that commands the room even when she’s just having a quiet conversation.
- John Hannah (Keith): He’s a legend for a reason. Whether you know him from The Mummy or Four Weddings and a Funeral, he brings a grounded, fatherly warmth to the role of Minnie’s dad.
- Monica Dolan (Connie): Playing Minnie's mum, Dolan is spectacular. She’s the one who started the whole "the name was stolen" legend in the first place, and her performance captures that specific kind of eccentric British parent energy perfectly.
- Mandip Gill (Leila): You might recognize her as Yasmin from Doctor Who. She plays Minnie’s best friend and business partner, providing the much-needed voice of reason when Minnie starts spiraling about destiny.
Why the Casting Matters for the Story
Rom-coms live or die on whether you actually care if the couple ends up together. If the cast of This Time Next Year film hadn't been so carefully chosen, the whole "stolen luck" plot might have felt a bit too thin. But because Cookson and Laviscount play it with such sincerity, you start rooting for them.
The film was directed by Nick Moore, who is basically the king of British rom-com editing (he worked on Notting Hill and Love Actually). He knows how to pace these stories. He uses the cast to balance the humor with the more serious themes of grief and self-discovery. It’s not just about a New Year's kiss; it’s about Minnie realizing she’s the one in charge of her luck, not some guy born sixty seconds before her.
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Real Locations and True Vibes
The movie was filmed in London and parts of Italy, which adds this gorgeous, lived-in feel to the visuals. London at New Year's is practically its own character. You see the grit of Minnie's bakery and the sleekness of Quinn's world, and the cast moves between these spaces in a way that feels organic.
Honestly, the chemistry between the secondary characters—like Will Hislop, who plays Minnie’s rather questionable boyfriend Greg—adds a lot of the comedy. Hislop is great at playing that specific type of "millennial guy who thinks he’s deeper than he is."
How to Watch and What to Expect
If you're looking to dive in, the film has been rolling out across various platforms globally. In the UK, it hit digital platforms in June 2024 via Signature Entertainment, and in the US, it’s been a staple on The Roku Channel and HBO Max.
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Don't go in expecting some gritty deconstruction of the genre. It's a rom-com. It hits the beats you want it to hit. But it does so with a lot of heart and a cast that actually looks like they’re having a good time.
Actionable Takeaways for Rom-Com Fans
- Watch for the Chemistry: Pay attention to the scenes where Minnie and Quinn are just "existing" together; that’s where Cookson and Laviscount shine.
- Check out the Source Material: If you like the movie, Sophie Cousens' book goes even deeper into Minnie’s "unlucky" backstory.
- Look for the Cameos: There are several recognizable faces from British TV (like Anita Dobson) that pop up in smaller roles.
The best way to enjoy this film is to stop worrying about the "fate" logic and just enjoy the performances. It’s a reminder that even if your year started with a disaster, things can turn around.