Review: One Day (2024) – A Bittersweet Journey Through Time and Love

Netflix’s One Day (2024) is a moving adaptation of David Nicholls’ acclaimed novel, capturing the emotional highs and lows of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew’s decades-spanning connection. Each episode revisits them on July 15th, year after year, as they navigate friendship, missed opportunities, and personal growth.

Ambika Mod shines as Emma, offering a tender, intelligent portrayal full of heart and quiet strength. Leo Woodall is equally compelling as Dexter, delivering a layered performance that balances charm with vulnerability. Their chemistry deepens over time, pulling viewers into a slow-burning romance that’s never simple, often painful, but always genuine.

The episodic format gives this adaptation room to breathe—unlike the 2011 film—allowing characters and relationships to evolve naturally. From the grunge of late ‘80s university life to the changing fashions and pressures of adulthood, the series beautifully tracks the passing years. Its subtle production design and emotionally rich soundtrack enhance the nostalgic, often melancholic tone.

At its core, One Day is a story about timing—how love, no matter how strong, can’t always conquer life’s circumstances. It’s about becoming who you’re meant to be, sometimes with, sometimes without the people you love. The final episodes are especially powerful, offering a heart-wrenching yet meaningful payoff.

Fans of character-driven stories will find this series deeply affecting. It’s a story of real life: full of imperfections, surprises, and the moments that stay with you forever.

Have you watched One Day yet? What do you think about Emma and Dexter’s journey through time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!