Based on the best-selling book (and 2011 movie of the same name), One Day catalogues over a decade in the lives of two people, and their epic love story. In many ways, this feels like the ultimate rom-com. We root for the duo to eventually get together—in spite of some obvious roadblocks, their chemistry is off the charts. It probably helps that in this version of the story, Emma and Dexter are played by Ambika Mod (This is Going to Hurt) and Leo Woodall (The White Lotus, Cherry), respectively. Both actors share an easy rapport whose nuanced performances really reward the Netflix binge model. Showcasing 80s and 90s fashion and cherry-picked tunes, One Day’s stylish time encapsulation and richly developed romance makes it the sweetest limited series one is likely to see all year.
What is the significance of a day? One Day argues that by examining the same one each year, a beautiful tapestry of life will form full of major moments, heartbreaks, successes, and everything in between. A deeper significance to the date only reveals itself in the last couple episodes. As the series begins on July 15th, 1988, Emma and Dexter meet at their college graduation, realizing they are destined to go their separate ways afterward. After a few drinks together, Dexter walks Emma home like a proper gentleman. One thing leads to another, and before long, they are fooling around. They seem to want entirely different things on their trajectory in life. Dexter’s main ambition is to travel and see the world, while Emma fixates on making a real difference. They playfully imagine one another middle-aged, proclaiming “not having sex with you was highly memorable.” It is all very cutesy, and a great stage-setting exercise for the series to follow.
From here, every year on July 15th, we revisit either Dexter or Emma, with at least one of the fourteen episodes comprising the series focusing solely on one character. Entering different viewpoints and time periods provides a reset of sorts so frequently that I cannot imagine anyone growing tired of the formula. If a certain plot point or character turn does not appear to be going in one’s favor, worry not—the very next year will be a different beast entirely. This method makes tracing the evolution of both major characters a lot of fun. Exchanging letters back and forth in their early years, Emma and Dexter show compassion and deep care for one another as their stories carefully bide time until they intersect once more. Dexter consistently falls into patterns of alcoholism and addiction; Emma’s ambitions and long-lasting relationships are hampered only by her lack of confidence.
Following a narrative that stretches across this amount of years without boring the viewer to death speaks to the bond we see between Emma and Dexter. One of my favorite Dexter looks comes in episode six, where he sports an earring and hairspray-coiffed hairstyle skirting the hopes of a celebrity existence; Emma becomes fully formed in 90s teacher-garb around 1996. Whether they are vacationing together in Greece, sharing clandestine meetings in a hedge maze, or celebrating one another’s successes from afar, Emma and Dexter are absolutely an adorable couple, even when they are not physically together.
As with the best in the genre, One Day takes time developing the distance between Emma and Dexter before ever allowing the sparks to fly adjoining their romantic love. While many questions about their union arise, those who have seen the 2011 film will be very familiar with the direction the series takes. Personally, I definitely prefer this detailed television approach, layering burgeoning love with realistic obstacles, and leaning into technological advances and period-accurate machinations. The majority of episodes are just over twenty-five to thirty minutes in length, also making for an easy recommendation. For fans of romantic dramedies, it truly doesn’t get any sweeter than One Day.
Revisit One Day every year when it debuts exclusively to Netflix on Friday, February 8th.
