A Tissue-Worthy Romance: The new Netflix limited series adaption of “One Day” was well-executed and highly emotional

Before you press play on Netflix’s newest limited series, shake off your idea of the stereotypical romantic comedy because “One Day” won’t fit the bill. 

Told over the course of 14 episodes, each depicting one day in the characters lives, the show follows the story of Emma and Dexter, two people whose lives become irrevocably intertwined. 

The first episode intrigued me when Emma and Dexter meet on their last day of university and end up forming a friendship that remains strong even in the years directly after graduating through writing letters. I was too emotionally invested watching as they fell in love while fluctuating between being in and out of sync, with some episodes catching them together while in others they are living in different countries.

The unique structure of the show helps to convey the deep connection between characters, unbroken by tricky circumstances or distant geographic locations.

Compared to its 2011 film counterpart — the first television adaption of the novel “One Day” by David Nicholls — the 2024 Netflix adaptation allows for more character development and analysis, both being vital factors in telling a story so reliant on viewers’ investment in the characters.

Every aspect of the show felt attentive, from time period accurate costumes and filming locations to intentional pacing that reflected where the characters’ lives were at each episode. 

The casting was refreshingly diverse, and I cannot praise the execution of these characters enough — the show incorporated an array of cultures without ever once falling back on racial or ethnic stereotypes. 

Acting throughout the show overflowed with authenticity and copious amounts of nuanced emotion that translated beyond the screen. I fell in love with the characters as they fell in love with each other, and it’s safe to say that this show made me cry more times than anything else I’ve watched.

Ambika Mod as Emma Morley had me rooting for her throughout the entirety of the show. Her character loses sight of her goals after university before reclaiming them wholeheartedly and finding success in her writing career as an adult, such an innately human story of finding yourself that it was immediately relatable for any viewer.

Theo Woodall as Dexter Mayhew delivered the most emotionally-wrought performance of the show. He loses himself to alcoholism and fame as a young adult, his journey to finding happiness was turbulent and Woodall’s performance was gut-wrenching. Watching him navigate fame and tenuous relationships also fostered a sense of relatability without feeling performative or contrived.

It’s difficult to truly express the myriad of themes and emotions this show explores without giving away spoilers, but Emma and Dexter’s story is too multifaceted to be limited to one genre or blanket term. At its core, it beautifully tells a very human story of love, loss, connection and growth.