July 15. Almost 20 years pass during Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew’s journey together, each major checkpoint in their relationship occurring on one day: July 15. Netflix’s recently released series “One Day”, immediately enthralls viewers with a friends-to-lovers trope and stuns them with its shocking conclusion. The 14-episode drama feels as though each individual episode is its own movie, with an engaging and unique plot for each one. The only thing that remains steady throughout their constantly shifting lives is their friendship.
Emma and Dexter meet at a party following their graduation from Edinburgh University, and viewers get to watch how their fortuitous meeting unfolds a relationship filled with subtle nuances and concealed passion. They build a relationship based on friendship, despite the facets of their tumultuous lives pulling them in opposite directions.
From the moment I began the first episode, I was enchanted by the characters. Each one is distinct in personality and charm.
“I’m so drawn to the show because I think the characters are so different from one another,” current viewer Riley Hennelly ’27 said. “You would never believe they would have such a strong connection, but they absolutely do.”
Writers choose to leave many aspects of the plot unsaid. Instead, things are revealed subtly through characters’ actions. Through this style, it is up to the viewer to fill in the gaps between episodes and make assumptions. In my opinion, this deepens the connection between the viewer and the reader, plunging the viewer directly into involvement with the plot and the characters. It’s as though you are watching two close friends and how their relationship unfolds, feeling each and every emotion along with them.
After watching “One Day”, I attempted to determine the meaning behind the title. At first, it seems as though it is based simply on the fact that each episode begins on one day—the same day each year. However, as the series progresses, the idea of one day becomes even more prevalent and meaningful. It is symbolic of one day of each year, but also of the idea that two people meeting on one random day—by pure chance—changes the course of their lives. One day, you will meet someone. One day, you will fall in love. One day, you will heal.
A series containing exquisite music, stunning filming locations and vibrant characters, “One Day” soars above all expectations. If you plan on watching, make sure you are prepared to fall in love with each character, be ready for a plot twist, and bring lots of tissues.
