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08th Feb 2024

Netflix’s One Day series is the best thing I’ve watched since Normal People

Kat O'Connor

The One Day series is everything the film should’ve been

‘One Day’ is one of those books that just sticks with you from the moment you read the last page. It is one novel that I haven’t stopped thinking about since reading it nearly ten years ago.

There’s just something so special about Emma and Dexter’s love story that you can’t forget. It’s full of emotional moments, heartbreaking dilemmas, and the most beautiful friendship you’ll ever come across. Their relationship, from start to finish, is nearly addictive. It’s all-consuming for readers, and now you will be able to watch it unfold on screen.

The David Nicholls novel has been adapted for the screen by Netflix and revisiting their story is exactly what I needed. Being reminded of the novel, Dexter and Emma’s tumultuous relationship, and returning to Edinburgh (albeit via the screen) felt so magical, but heartbreaking at the same time.

If you’ve read the novel or watched the movie, you’ll know the story is one full of harrowing twists, heartbreaking moments, and the most devastating ending.

The movie did a pretty good job of capturing the story for the screen, but the Netflix series has exceeded my expectations. It has gone above and beyond in capturing the heart of Nicholls’ best-selling novel, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since watching it earlier this month.

“If you’re a fan of ‘Normal People’ then trust me in saying that this series is for you”

If you’ve never had the joy of reading the best-selling novel then you need to pick it up before tuning into the series.

One Day follows Dexter and Emma after they spend the night of graduation together. They go their separate ways the following morning but their lives remain intertwined for years to come.

Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall were made to play Emma and Dexter. I couldn’t think of two actors who fit those characters in a better way. Woodall captures Dexter’s charming personality and hopelessness so perfectly. It was incredible to see him portrayed in such a real way. It felt like we knew Dexter as if he was your friend from University.

Ambika Mod is a rising star, but one who deserves all of the awards for her portrayal of Emma. The second she was on screen, she just exuded Emma Morley. She was born to play that character but gave her the depth and warmth that was lacking in the film. She’s goofy and awkward, but touching and incredibly relatable.

Both actors have managed to make an already perfect story somewhat better. They’ve given ‘One Day’ a new lease of life, and it’s one series I’ll be watching over and over again. If you’re a fan of ‘Normal People’ then trust me in saying that this series is for you, and if not even better than the Sally Rooney adaption. It’s one show you won’t be able to stop thinking about.

‘One Day’ is available to watch on Netflix now.

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