This show chewed me up and spit me back out. It killed me and then by some miracle, brought me back to life. It chopped me into a million little pieces and put me back together; another miracle. Let’s just say this show was really good.
Believe it or not, I was initially cautious due to the fact that each episode was barely 25 minutes long (in fact, the shortest episode was 18 minutes), and there are only 14 episodes. I questioned whether or not there would be any character development and whether or not the story would actually be coherent and well fleshed out.
This is how the story goes: it follows Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) as they graduate college and navigate adulthood. Each episode takes place a year after the previous episode, ultimately spanning over 20 years. I would describe the show as an examination of their relationship, and how their lives, personalities, goals and desires simultaneously get in the way of them being together and yet attract them back to one another over and over.
For me, this show really came at the right time as I myself am navigating the idea of the future, and what I want from it, as well as who I want in it. I can’t think of another coming-of-age film/show or book that feels as relatable as this one did.
This show is actually based on the book “One Day” by David Nicholls. Photo Credit: Hodder & Stoughton
Additionally, the acting was phenomenal; it had me laughing out loud, crying into my pillow, my jaw on the floor, and had me reminiscing. Similarly, the character development did not disappoint…most importantly, the characters were realistic and relatable. I found myself feeling the heartache that Dexter felt during the process of figuring himself out and the desire that Emma felt to be truly loved because of who she is.
Admittedly, for me, the first two episodes felt like they dragged on, but once I got past them, I easily binged the show in one whole day.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for something to cry about, rant about, and rewatch over and over again.
Macey Heys, Managing Editor
(Featured Image from Netflix)