One Day Netflix Series Review

We can make our lives with passions and people who make us happy.

Based on David Nicholl’s best-selling novel, One Day is a 2024 Netflix series. Emma and Dexter meet on the night of their graduation. Instead of pursuing a relationship, they decide to stay in touch. In 24 years, the series captures the evolution of their relationship, highlighting the challenges and joys of navigating life together.

I binged every episode of One Day on the treadmill. Undoubtedly, One Day does an exceptional job with a concept that the 2011 film adaptation didn’t adapt right. Every scene is dictated well, manifesting relationships, life events, and choices.

Leo Woodell and Ambika Mod were perfect in these roles as Dexter and Emma. I felt like I knew these characters. They accomplished incredible emotions and interactions in all of their scenes. I am most impressed by Woodell for his emotional range. Dexter experiences turmoils that he refuses to be open about. No matter the gender, don’t be afraid of your emotions.

To say Emma and Dexter have a complicated relationship is an understatement. However, their friendship encases more value than expected. They have a significant impact on each other's lives. As they weave through different chapters in the two decades, their lives change immensely.

Throughout the two-decade period, we meet several characters who influence Emma or Dexter’s lives. Supporting cast members play friends, family, or significant others. Credits include Eleanor Tomlinson, Essie Davis, Tim McInnerny, Joely Richardson, John Macmillan, and several more.

The concept is the most intriguing part of One Day. I love concepts where stories take place on the same day but in different years. There’s a lot of creative opportunities in this. Not just a year, but a lot happens in one day.

The series’ notable strength lies in its ability to tackle universal themes with subtly and depth. Emma and Dexter experience relatable turmoil, like family illness, careers, and relationships. Change is a central theme in One Day.

One Day paints a realistic picture of the complexities of friendship. Friendship is not always smooth sailing but is, nonetheless, worth the journey. Think about all of your friendships, even the ones that didn’t work out. What did you learn?

One of the most important elements in One Day is the dialogue. Dialogue is dictated well. In some episodes, the character's conversations span the entire duration. Dexter and Emma spend an entire episode talking in a maze. Filmmakers do an incredible job with pacing, but most importantly, the relationship between the actors.

This story works better as a miniseries than as a film. Because the film had condensed time, it glossed over important character development. With a miniseries, the narrative structure allows time for story elements and character development. Even though I watched the movie, I forgot about the horrific event to one character in the climax. Nicole Taylor did a beautiful job with the vision of the story, including her direction to the cast.

Watching this series made me feel a sense of gratitude. One Day is a thrilling and often overwhelming ride with the relatable hardships the characters face. The series is a hope spot for anyone who feels lost. Nobody is alone in their battles. Looking back 10 years ago, I am not the same person. I am so thankful for my achievements.

One Day is an easy watch. Some episodes are only 20 minutes long. I was surprised by this short duration but episodes fill a lot into this capacity. You must binge One Day on Netflix. I recommend the series over the movie. It’s emotional and captivating.