Have you ever wondered whether the stranger you met at a party would one day become the most important person in your life?
Netflix’s “One Day” takes us on a rollercoaster ride of a friendship spanning two decades, ignited by a chance encounter. The 14-episode miniseries is adapted from British author David Nicholls’ 2009 novel of the same name.
Breaking away from conventional romances, “One Day” refuses to serve neatly packaged happily-ever-afters or predictable paths to love. Brace yourself for a heart-wrenching narrative that weaves together laughter, tears, and love.
The story follows Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall), who meet on the last night of university in 1988, and showcases their instant connection and divergent dreams.
Emma aspires to be a writer, while Dexter stumbles through life. This sets them on separate journeys, all the while carrying a lingering “what if?”
Each episode jumps ahead one year and captures a snapshot of their lives, unveiling Emma’s struggles and triumphs in her writing pursuit while Dexter wrestles with personal demons, unfulfilled potential, and fleeting moments of joy.
Choices and circumstances pull them apart and bring them back together. Careers, relationships, and individual journeys create distance, but their undeniable bond endures, leaving viewers wondering if they’ll ever find their way back to each other.
As the years pass, the weight of time and life choices becomes palpable, leading to a shocking conclusion that reflects the bittersweet nature of reality.
In contrast to the 2011 film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, the Netflix limited series stands out for its emotional depth, honesty and vulnerability, avoiding unrealistic Hollywood romanticism or excessive fatalism.
It navigates themes of love, loss, regret and second chances in a heartbreaking manner. The silent moments and unspoken words, skillfully conveyed by Mod and Woodall, contribute to the series’ authenticity.
Mod infuses Emma’s character with infectious energy and relatability, while Woodall competently captures Dexter’s charm, flaws and vulnerabilities.
In a particularly intense scene, the leads deliver a nuanced exchange laced with simmering tension, their quiet voices and subtle body language conveying volumes more than any melodramatic outburst ever could.
Additionally, the episodic structure proves compelling, effectively allowing viewers to witness the characters’ evolution and the passage of time – their transformation, stagnation, even regression – prompting reflection on how choices and circumstances shape lives.
Compared with the film, the series also delves into characters’ backstories and explores themes from the novel more deeply, enriching the narrative and providing a comprehensive understanding of Emma and Dexter’s motivations and decisions.
Ultimately, “One Day” is more than just a romantic drama; it’s a meditation on the path one takes, missed opportunities, and the enduring power of human connection.
Whether you find yourself rooting for their happy ending or analysing the intricacies of their choices, “One Day” serves as a reminder that love, like time, marches on, leaving its indelible mark on our lives in wistful ways.
‘One Day’ is streaming on Netflix.