Valentine’s Day Just Got a Whole Lot Sweeter with This Time Next Year

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re all on the lookout for the perfect way to celebrate love—whether that’s with a partner, a friend, or even just ourselves. Enter This Time Next Year, a romantic comedy starring Lucien Laviscount, a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with charm, heart, and a knack for bringing love stories to life. The actor, fresh from his time as Alfie in Emily in Paris, has teamed up with director Nick Moore to deliver a film that feels like a breath of fresh air in the rom-com genre. And let’s be honest, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, there’s no better time to cozy up with a movie that reminds us why love is worth believing in.

A Love Story That Feels Real—and Beautifully Imperfect

At its core, This Time Next Year is about two people, Quinn and Minnie, who collide (quite literally) on New Year’s Eve. Played by Laviscount and Sophie Cookson, respectively, the pair quickly discover they’ve got more in common than just their endearing awkwardness—they were born just one minute apart in the same hospital. It’s a serendipitous twist that sets the stage for a friendship that gradually deepens into something more. But here’s the thing: this isn’t your typical love-at-first-sight story. Both characters are dealing with their own baggage, and their journey together isn’t about grand gestures or fairy-tale endings. It’s about growth, vulnerability, and the messy, beautiful process of figuring out what it means to truly love someone.

“It’s two people who have to find each other,” Laviscount shared in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “And I think that no matter what anyone’s going through in a relationship, there’s always room for each other to grow and to allow each other to grow. I think anyone that watches will come away with a smile on their face.” It’s a sentiment that rings true throughout the film, which balances humor, heartache, and hope in a way that feels authentically human. Quinn, in particular, is a character with layers. A 20-something business titan, he’s also a caregiver for his mentally ill mother, played by the incredible Golda Rosheuvel. His drive to succeed is matched only by his struggle to find someone who can share the weight of his life. And that’s where Minnie comes in—a quirky, endearingly awkward woman who challenges him to rethink what love and partnership look like.

A Director Who Brings Movies to Life

If there’s one thing that sets This Time Next Year apart, it’s the masterful touch of director Nick Moore. Known for his work on classics like Love Actually and Notting Hill, Moore brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for storytelling to this project. Laviscount couldn’t sing his praises highly enough, calling Moore an “OG” and emphasizing the importance of his role in bringing the film to life. “So much of the movie is in the edit,” Laviscount said. “On that cutting table, that’s when a movie really comes to life. So being able to work with Nick on this, and him just knowing exactly what he wanted and where it was gonna go was incredible.”

Moore’s clear vision and expertise are evident in every frame, but he’s not the only star of the show. The film’s backdrop—Rome, standing in for London—adds a touch of beauty and charm that’s hard to resist. “We shot the majority of it in Rome,” Laviscount revealed. “Rome for London, which was kind of crazy in itself, but beautiful.” The combination of Moore’s direction and the stunning setting makes for a visual treat that complements the emotional depth of the story.

A Character Who Feels More Than Just a Love Interest

One of the standout aspects of This Time Next Year is the complexity of Quinn as a character. He’s not just the dashing romantic lead or the guy who’s there to sweep Minnie off her feet. He’s a multifaceted person with his own struggles, desires, and growth arc. For Laviscount, diving into Quinn’s world was a deeply personal process. “The process for me was really getting to the root of [Quinn’s] relationship with his mom as much as anything,” he shared. “And his drive with work, his passiveness on finding what matters in life and of being able to share his life with someone and have someone that can share the weight with him.”

That depth is what makes Quinn so appealing. He’s not just a love interest; he’s a fully realized person with flaws, strengths, and a story that’s worth telling. And then there’s Minnie, whose quirky charm and endearing awkwardness make her the perfect foil to Quinn’s more reserved nature. Together, they tackle the big questions—about serendipity, fate, and whether two people can truly be meant to be.

From Emily in Paris to This Time Next Year: A Star on the Rise

Of course, Laviscount isn’t a stranger to the rom-com world. His role as Alfie in Emily in Paris earned him a legion of fans and solidified his place as one of the most exciting young actors working today. But as much as Alfie and Quinn both have that certain je ne sais quoi, they’re worlds apart in terms of character. “I approached [Quinn] differently,” Laviscount explained. “This kind of character, he’s dealing with a lot of stuff at home, with his mother. He’s been her carer for a long time, and he has put himself second to a lot of things. As opposed to Alfie who just left the country and ran off with a girl that broke his heart.”

And then there’s the biggest difference of all: “I got the girl on this [movie], which is great.” It’s a lighthearted way to sum up the journey, but it’s also a testament to the power of love stories that feel real and satisfying. While Alfie may have been the charming but slightly aimless love interest in Emily in Paris, Quinn is a character with depth, nuance, and a story that lingers long after the credits roll.

Why This Time Next Year Is a Must-Watch This Valentine’s Day

So, if you’re looking for a film to watch this Valentine’s Day—whether you’re celebrating with a loved one, your best friends, or just yourself—This Time Next Year checks all the boxes. It’s a romantic comedy that feels fresh and original, with characters that leap off the screen and a story that will leave you smiling long after it’s over. And let’s not forget the charm of Lucien Laviscount, who once again proves why he’s one of the most exciting actors working today. With its mix of humor, heart, and heartfelt moments, This Time Next Year is the perfect way to celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine’s Day. So, grab some tissues, snacks, and someone you love, and get ready to fall head over heels for Quinn and Minnie’s beautiful, imperfect love story.