Tilly, played by Amber Grappy, expresses her enjoyment when Emma and Dexter argue in the second-to-last episode of Netflix’s “One Day.” She believes their conflicts signify a typical relationship, unlike their fairy-tale romance.
Netflix’s adaptation of David Nicholls’ book follows the tumultuous journey of our star-crossed lovers as they encounter each other on July 15th over the years, from college graduation to later stages of life. Drawing comparisons to “The Notebook” is fitting for its emotional resonance.
In the Netflix series, Emma and Dex first form a strong friendship before their romantic feelings emerge. The series effectively portrays them as real, relatable individuals, which the 2011 film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess struggled with. Woodall’s portrayal of “Sexy Dexy” captures his charm and the complexities of his life, drawing both admiration and aversion from others, including Emma.
Casting a woman of color as Emma highlights the contrasts in their social backgrounds. Despite her academic success, Emma faces financial challenges as she strives to establish herself as a writer. Mod portrays Emma’s growth and struggles convincingly, finding her own identity while still being influenced by Dexter, at least until the end.
“One Day” spans from 1988 onwards, avoiding typical period piece pitfalls with costumes that suit the era without being overly distracting. The production effectively ages its characters, subtly evolving their appearances, styles, and mannerisms as they progress beyond their early twenties.
The episodic structure of “One Day” serves its plot development, with each episode representing a phase of their lives like a sonnet. However, it can feel slow in the middle when circumstances keep them apart. Additionally, the music cues can be too obvious, dictating how to feel in each moment.
Overall, it works well. They eventually become a couple, proving to be a beautiful and exceptional match.
Unfortunately, the story doesn’t end on a happy note, disappointing those who love romance and strong female characters. The tragic ending feels clichéd, especially after the characters have endured numerous challenges. It undermines the charm and goodwill built in earlier episodes, making Emma’s life seem like a lesson for Dexter, which feels cheap and simplistic after investing so much time in their journey.
The takeaway from “One Day” seems to be that love triumphs over most obstacles, except for casual misogyny.
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Tilly’s Perspective | Tilly finds enjoyment in Emma and Dexter’s arguments, seeing them as normal for a relationship compared to their fairy-tale romance. |
| Plot Overview | The Netflix series follows the journey of Emma and Dexter as they meet on July 15th over the years, resembling the emotional resonance of “The Notebook.” |
| Character Portrayal | Emma and Dexter first develop a strong friendship before their romantic feelings emerge, depicted as real and relatable individuals. |
| Social Background | Casting a woman of color as Emma highlights the contrasts in their social backgrounds, particularly Emma’s financial challenges as she pursues writing. |
| Production Quality | The series effectively avoids typical period piece pitfalls, aging characters subtly while maintaining authenticity in costumes and setting. |
| Story Structure | The episodic structure serves plot development, yet can feel slow in parts, with music cues occasionally being too obvious in dictating emotions. |
| Relationship Outcome | Despite challenges, Emma and Dexter eventually become a couple, portraying a beautiful and exceptional match. |
| Ending Disappointment | The tragic ending disappoints viewers invested in romance and strong female characters, feeling clichéd and simplistic after enduring the characters’ challenges throughout the series. |
| Takeaway | The overarching lesson appears to be that love conquers most obstacles, except for casual misogyny, leaving some elements of the story feeling unresolved or unsatisfying. |
