Netflix’s “One Day” surpasses audience expectations
By Fiona Flowers
March 15, 2024
Image Credit: Photo by Netflix
Netflix’s UK limited and bingeable new limited series, “One Day” delves into an exploration of communication errors and hopeless romantics in a spin off the original movie released in 2011.
The 12-episode format follows Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) on every subsequent July 15 since their first encounter in 1988, tracking them over 20 years as they navigate early adulthood.
Their fluctuating relationship is explored at the forefront of the story with a backdrop of personal triumphs and failures. Complicated communication and extenuating circumstances prevent the pair from ever officially committing, until it is too late.
Based on the best-selling 2009 novel of the same name by David Nicholls, the series was initially met with skepticism from audiences when it was first announced. A 2011 film adaptation of the story starring Anne Hathway and Jim Sturgess was not well received critically or commercially, hovering at a 36% on Rotten Tomatoes and widely panned for its lack of emotional depth.
Despite audience hesitation, the show has become a pop culture sensation, taking social media by storm as viewers swoon over the will-they-won’t-they romance between Dexter and Emma. With a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%, the stark difference in the critical and commercial success of the two adaptations begs the question: how was the story benefited so drastically through a limited series format?
Without running the risk of spoiling the show for prospective viewers, here is a list of what the “One Day” show did better than the film.
The episode format allows for more character and plot development
The layout of the story mirrors the chapter format of the novel, allowing for a more in-depth look into the circumstances of Emma and Dexter’s lives and how they intersect every July 15. Just by the nature of a film adaptation, important aspects of the original story had to be cut for the purpose of time and proper pacing, and the story takes plot shortcuts. Episodes immerse the audience more deeply into the plot, fully fleshing out the characters and their motivations and providing more emotional stakes.
Emma and Dexter are more relatable in the show
While this take is a bit more subjective, many viewers have found Woodall and Mod’s portrayals of Dexter and Emma to be more grounded and realistic than Sturgess and Hathaway. The foundation of their friendship was more established through the episode format, allowing for more growth as they transition into lovers.
Mod and Hathaway’s approaches to Emma differ, particularly in how they react to being friend-zoned by Dexter. While Hathaway's portrayal seems almost content with the state of the relationship, Mod takes a different route; her performance is one of quiet confidence and self-assurance, unwilling to just sit and wait for Dexter to be ready to commit yet still yearning for his affection. Her affair with the headmaster at her teaching gig is also included in the show and not the film, giving her character and personal motivations more depth and complexity.
Woodall’s Dexter is similarly more fleshed out than Sturgess’. His struggle with addiction and mental health feels rawer, and his initial impression as a bit of a playboy makes his arc and romantic development more poignant.
More outside character inclusion
In the film, Emma’s best friend, Tilly, is almost entirely excluded from the larger story, and her role is reduced to a few minor lines. In the show, her presence is much more elevated; played by Amber Grappy, she is a confidante for both Emma and Dexter throughout their fluctuating relationship.
Emma and Dexter’s other romantic partners also receive more screen time in the show and are generally more sympathetic and realistic characters. Sylvie, the mother of Dexter’s child, is bland and forgettable in the film, lacking in any distinct personality traits. She is a warmer presence in the show and generally a more believable romantic partner. Emma’s boyfriend, Ian, also benefits from more screen time and provides more depth and character building.
Overall, “One Day’s” impressive critical and commercial performance does the original novel justice and pays homage to its source material while making a few valuable tweaks. Interested viewers can check out the show on Netflix, and the 2011 adaptation is available to rent on Prime Video.
The 12-episode format follows Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) on every subsequent July 15 since their first encounter in 1988, tracking them over 20 years as they navigate early adulthood.
Their fluctuating relationship is explored at the forefront of the story with a backdrop of personal triumphs and failures. Complicated communication and extenuating circumstances prevent the pair from ever officially committing, until it is too late.
Based on the best-selling 2009 novel of the same name by David Nicholls, the series was initially met with skepticism from audiences when it was first announced. A 2011 film adaptation of the story starring Anne Hathway and Jim Sturgess was not well received critically or commercially, hovering at a 36% on Rotten Tomatoes and widely panned for its lack of emotional depth.
Despite audience hesitation, the show has become a pop culture sensation, taking social media by storm as viewers swoon over the will-they-won’t-they romance between Dexter and Emma. With a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%, the stark difference in the critical and commercial success of the two adaptations begs the question: how was the story benefited so drastically through a limited series format?
Without running the risk of spoiling the show for prospective viewers, here is a list of what the “One Day” show did better than the film.
The episode format allows for more character and plot development
The layout of the story mirrors the chapter format of the novel, allowing for a more in-depth look into the circumstances of Emma and Dexter’s lives and how they intersect every July 15. Just by the nature of a film adaptation, important aspects of the original story had to be cut for the purpose of time and proper pacing, and the story takes plot shortcuts. Episodes immerse the audience more deeply into the plot, fully fleshing out the characters and their motivations and providing more emotional stakes.
Emma and Dexter are more relatable in the show
While this take is a bit more subjective, many viewers have found Woodall and Mod’s portrayals of Dexter and Emma to be more grounded and realistic than Sturgess and Hathaway. The foundation of their friendship was more established through the episode format, allowing for more growth as they transition into lovers.
Mod and Hathaway’s approaches to Emma differ, particularly in how they react to being friend-zoned by Dexter. While Hathaway's portrayal seems almost content with the state of the relationship, Mod takes a different route; her performance is one of quiet confidence and self-assurance, unwilling to just sit and wait for Dexter to be ready to commit yet still yearning for his affection. Her affair with the headmaster at her teaching gig is also included in the show and not the film, giving her character and personal motivations more depth and complexity.
Woodall’s Dexter is similarly more fleshed out than Sturgess’. His struggle with addiction and mental health feels rawer, and his initial impression as a bit of a playboy makes his arc and romantic development more poignant.
More outside character inclusion
In the film, Emma’s best friend, Tilly, is almost entirely excluded from the larger story, and her role is reduced to a few minor lines. In the show, her presence is much more elevated; played by Amber Grappy, she is a confidante for both Emma and Dexter throughout their fluctuating relationship.
Emma and Dexter’s other romantic partners also receive more screen time in the show and are generally more sympathetic and realistic characters. Sylvie, the mother of Dexter’s child, is bland and forgettable in the film, lacking in any distinct personality traits. She is a warmer presence in the show and generally a more believable romantic partner. Emma’s boyfriend, Ian, also benefits from more screen time and provides more depth and character building.
Overall, “One Day’s” impressive critical and commercial performance does the original novel justice and pays homage to its source material while making a few valuable tweaks. Interested viewers can check out the show on Netflix, and the 2011 adaptation is available to rent on Prime Video.