It’s no secret that some of our favorite love stories have been grand escapes from our monotonous realities. These TV shows feature vivid characters and settings so far removed from our daily lives that we can’t help but fantasize about their otherworldly stories. In recent times, romantics worldwide have fallen for royal tales like Bridgerton, Young Royals and The Crown.
However, in stark contrast to British royalty, the most raw and captivating love story I have seen in a long time emerges from the lives of average Brits in the Netflix limited series “One Day”. A romantic drama based on a 2009 novel by David Nicholls and a 2011 film adaptation featuring Anne Hathaway, “One Day” finds its feet with its relatable characters and their relatable struggles, offering a grounded version of the classic star-crossed lovers trope.
The protagonists Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew meet July 15, 1988 during their university graduation ball. Each episode of this 14 episode limited series covers their lives on this exact date every year up until 2007.
What separates “One Day” right from the get-go is the time it spends fleshing out and defining its characters separate from their love story. Although Emma and Dexter’s relationship is the central plot point, at times, it doesn’t feel like it. Some might take issue with this, but instead, I encourage it.
By allowing each character to grow apart from the other, the series feels multi-dimensional. There are few, if any, moments in the series that feel like filler in between the scenes the protagonists share. Instead, the time in between Emma and Dexter’s interactions are important to understanding their differences and the context behind their actions and decisions. For example, we must watch how Dexter’s drinking creates a rift in his already ailing family, only pushing him further down the path of substance abuse. We must witness all of the minimum wage jobs Emma works to understand why she takes issue with Dexter’s pretentious behavior.
One of the most polarizing differences between Dexter and Emma is the class divide between them. Dexter, born to wealthy parents, is able to travel abroad and live lavishly immediately after graduation while Emma struggles to find a balance between a career that she loves and one that is profitable. “One Day” captures how social class can shape one’s world; It’s not long before Dexter and Emma are each isolated in their own bubbles. As a famous TV presenter, Dexter mingles with some of the wealthiest while struggling actor turned teacher Emma spends her time with lackluster sidekick boyfriends. Their environments are so drastically different, making it near impossible for them to get on the same wavelength, both physically and emotionally. “One Day” excellently portrays the struggle of trying to maintain relationships across the growing class divide. I found the show’s commentary on this issue surprisingly well-done, another hidden strength of the series.
Emma and Dexter’s differences culminate in a hard-to-watch conflict that pushes them farther apart than ever. Strategically placed at the halfway point in the series, this conflict feels like a climax in their story. It was truly inevitable, considering their differing paths, and I’m glad that the authors didn’t shy away from exposing their growing differences like some other romance stories try to do. It made for an even more compelling watch as the conflict only informs further personal growth for the both of them. The time they spend apart is what eventually gets each of them to the place where they can pursue a healthy relationship.
Both Ambika Mod (Emma) and Leo Woodall (Dexter) are phenomenal in “One Day”. Mod is charming as an awkward and sarcastic young Emma, so much so that it’s hard to believe that this is her first leading role. Her witty banter with Woodall is effortless and hilarious but she doesn’t sacrifice Emma’s deeply-rooted insecurity for it. Meanwhile, Woodall, best-known for his role on season two of The White Lotus, somehow brings vulnerability to an arrogant party boy who is forced to face the realities of growing up. “One Day” especially tests Woodall as Dexter’s character arc is turbulent and the most radical, but Woodall passes with flying colors.
Of course, I could not praise “One Day” without acknowledging the outstanding chemistry between its two leads. Even when they’re seeing other people, their dynamic is electric. Just the short glances and unspoken words speak volumes. As Emma tries to push her attraction for Dexter away, Dexter attempts to tease it out of her. It makes for a near perfect will-they won’t-they. It’s often agonizing to watch as the tension is palpable yet neither will admit their true feelings. Still, it’s impossible to look away, especially as the two mature and the roles reverse and Dexter finds himself longing for a newly successful and secure Emma.
If only we had more time with the two of them. That’s what I found myself thinking as the final credits rolled. I won’t get into the ending too much, but as someone who has not read the book or seen the movie, I was caught off guard to say the least. But, life is full of surprises and that’s what “One Day” is at its core: a snapshot of the lives of two people who found a soulmate in one another. If there’s any romance show or movie you should watch in 2024, it has to be “One Day”. I wish I could go back and watch it all over again for the first time.
