The Allure of Lakeside Romance: Why 'Every Year After' Captures Our Imagination
There’s something undeniably captivating about a lakeside setting in a romance story. It’s almost as if the water itself becomes a character—a silent witness to love, heartbreak, and second chances. Prime Video’s Every Year After leans into this allure, transporting viewers to a picturesque lake house where childhood friends Percy and Sam navigate the complexities of their past and the possibility of a future together. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how the show’s filming locations become more than just a backdrop; they’re integral to the narrative’s emotional depth.
The Canadian Connection: Authenticity Beyond the Script
One thing that immediately stands out is the show’s commitment to its Canadian roots. Author Carley Fortune insisted on keeping the story authentically Canadian, and while the series wasn’t filmed in her hometown of Barry’s Bay, Ontario, the production team went to great lengths to recreate the cottage country vibe. Bowen Island, British Columbia, stepped in as the stand-in, and personally, I think this choice was genius. Bowen Island isn’t just a filming location—it’s a character in its own right, with its Union Steamship Marina Resort, Doc Morgan’s Pub, and Tippy’s Cookhouse lending an air of familiarity and charm.
What many people don’t realize is that Bowen Island has a history of hosting productions like Riverdale and Supernatural. This raises a deeper question: Why do filmmakers keep returning to this spot? In my opinion, it’s because the island embodies a certain timelessness—a sense of being removed from the chaos of everyday life, which is perfect for a story about love and reflection.
The Cold Truth Behind the Summer Glow
A detail that I find especially interesting is the cast’s experience filming in Minaty Bay, a glacier-fed lake. Sadie Soverall, who plays Percy, mentioned how cold the water was during the swimming scenes. If you take a step back and think about it, this adds a layer of authenticity to the show. The characters’ struggles and vulnerabilities are mirrored in the actors’ real-life challenges. It’s a subtle reminder that even the most idyllic settings can hide discomfort—much like the characters’ own lives.
Why Location Matters in Storytelling
From my perspective, the choice of filming locations isn’t just logistical—it’s narrative. The fact that Every Year After was shot in British Columbia, with its lush landscapes and serene lakes, amplifies the emotional stakes of the story. The setting becomes a metaphor for the characters’ journey: calm on the surface, but with depths that are both beautiful and treacherous.
What this really suggests is that place isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a silent narrator. The lake house, the marina, the pub—these locations become symbols of the characters’ shared history and their attempts to rebuild what was lost. It’s a storytelling technique that’s often overlooked, but when done right, as in Every Year After, it elevates the entire experience.
The Future of Lakeside Romances
If you’re anything like me, you’re already planning a trip to British Columbia after watching this show. But beyond the tourism potential, Every Year After taps into a broader trend in storytelling: the resurgence of nature-centric narratives. In an age dominated by urban settings and high-tech plots, there’s a growing appetite for stories that reconnect us with the natural world.
Personally, I think this trend reflects a collective longing for simplicity and authenticity. The lake house in Every Year After isn’t just a setting—it’s a sanctuary, a place where time slows down and emotions take center stage. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound stories are the ones that bring us back to basics.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Second Chances
As I reflect on Every Year After, what strikes me most is its ability to weave together the personal and the universal. The story of Percy and Sam is deeply specific, yet their journey of reconciliation and love resonates with anyone who’s ever wondered, ‘What if?’
In a world that often feels fragmented, the show’s emphasis on place, memory, and connection feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not just a romance—it’s a meditation on the power of second chances, both for the characters and for us as viewers. And if that doesn’t make you want to binge-watch it while dreaming of a lakeside retreat, I don’t know what will.
