One Day: Bittersweet Love Story Spanning 20 Years
The new Netflix romantic drama series “One Day” is set to premiere on February 8th, 2024. Based on the bestselling novel by David Nicholls, “One Day” tells the story of Emma (Eleanor Tomlinson) and Dexter (Leo Woodall), two university graduates whose friendship blossoms into romance over 20 years.
Set on St. Swithin’s Day, July 15th, the series checks in with Emma and Dexter once a year to see where life has taken them. From fresh-faced optimism to disillusionment, heartbreak, and personal growth, their story reflects the ups and downs many face as they navigate careers and relationships, and find their place in the world.
Review: Captivating Performances Carry Bittersweet Story
Anchored by strong lead performances from Tomlinson (Poldark) and Woodall (The Gilded Age), One Day offers a poignant look at how time and circumstance shape even the most steadfast bonds.
As the shy and serious Emma, Tomlinson showcases an impressive range in bringing her character from meek uncertainty to confident assurance over two decades. Meanwhile, charming playboy Dexter travels an opposite trajectory in Woodall’s capable hands, from cocksure arrogance to something more closely resembling wisdom.
The supporting cast also delivers standout turns, including Amber Anderson (The Sandman) as Sylvie, the alluring object of Dexter’s on-again-off-again affections, and Sebastian Armesto (Broadchurch) as Ian, Emma’s long-suffering partner.
While the premise presents intriguing narrative possibilities, the execution leaves something to be desired. The time jumps often feel abrupt as major life events happen off-screen, lending a disjointed quality. However, the genuine chemistry between Tomlinson and Woodall smooths over any rough patches, reeling you back into this bittersweet love story again and again.
Moments of fun and heartbreak are peppered throughout, from Emma and Dexter’s early fumbling attempts at romance to painful revelations that threaten to tear their bond apart. Culminating on St. Swithin’s Day 15 years after we first meet them, their ending proves satisfying if not exactly happy ever after.
Captivating performances combined with literary pedigree make One Day worthy of your queue this February. Just be prepared to feel all the feelings along the way.
One Day Review: 3 Key Takeaways
Here are three key takeaways from the new romantic Netflix drama One Day:
- Strong Lead Performances
Eleanor Tomlinson and Leo Woodall have effortless chemistry as Emma and Dexter, carrying viewers through two decades of ups and downs. - Bittersweet Storytelling
One Day doesn’t shy away from life’s painful realities, resulting in a poignant, moving viewing experience. - Satisfying if Imperfect Ending
After 15 years, Emma and Dexter’s ending proves emotionally fulfilling though not quite the fairy tale viewers may crave.
One Day: Quick Facts
Here are the key details on Netflix’s One Day:
- Release Date: February 8, 2024
- Based On: Novel by David Nicholls
- Main Cast: Eleanor Tomlinson, Leo Woodall, Amber Anderson, Sebastian Armesto
- Runtime: 8 Episodes @ Approx. 45 Minutes Each
- Genre: Romantic Drama
Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy swoon-worthy onscreen chemistry and stories span decades, add One Day to your must-watch list this February. Just brace for some tear-jerker moments along the way.