I’m Suing For Emotional Damages After Watching “One Day”
If you're not aware, the 2009 best-selling novel One Day by David Nicholls was turned into a 2014 movie starring Anne Hathaway and was recently further adapted into a Netflix Original. Since its release on February 8, the show has caused significant emotional damage to its viewers (me), and as someone who watched the movie, read the book, and knew the arcs and plot very well, I was still unprepared for this show to rock my entire world.
The show follows the lives of Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodhall), who met on the night of their graduation ball from the University of Edinburgh on July 15, 1988. After their tumultuous first meeting, they spend the day getting to know one another. As the show progresses, we only see them on that day for the next 15 years. If you enjoy a good book-to-screen adaptation, cripplingly slow love stories, flawed and complicated characters, and stellar acting; stop reading this and go watch the show right now. If you've already seen it, here are my "lukewarm" takes about the central characters and their story.
Ambika Mod
First, Ambika Mod, you are a perfect angel who deserves the world. Witnessing the negativity and criticism directed towards Mod's appearance is disheartening. Sadly, it reflects the all-too-common ignorance and prejudice against women of color who embrace their natural beauty and take the lead, especially as a romantic lead.
"I didn't see myself as a romantic lead; I thought that that concept was absolutely absurd," said Mod at a BAFTA Panel. "I realized it was because I don't see women who look like me playing romantic leads," she continued.
Mod's vulnerability to admit being unable to see herself in the role is incredibly relatable for women of color. It can be hard to picture any woman of color as the lead in a romantic part because of the lack of representation in mainstream media. Hollywood always seems to favor white actors and actresses for leading romantic roles, perpetuating the idea that white is the default beauty standard. Even Mod’s character, Emma, was written as a white woman in the books.
There have been advancements in the media as there has been a push for more diverse leads and voices. David Nicholls, the book's author and writer/producer for the series, pushed for Mod to play the lead.
"There isn't a character I have written that is more beloved to me than Emma Morley, and I can't think of anyone better to play her than you," wrote David Nicholls in a letter to Mod before they began filming. So, to all the people who keep saying that Emma was wrongly cast, please stop. Mod did a fantastic job, and for many people who were unfamiliar with the movie and book, Mod is their only version of Emma Morley, and it is perfect.
Image Courtesy: Joe Maher/Getty Images
Dexter
Dexter's defining qualities are his charisma and charm. His ability to get through social spaces graciously, even securing a job on TV, is very telling of the magnetic energy he exudes. However, his good looks, personality, and privilege are just superficial facades that mask the deeper insecurities of uncertainty within himself, his future, and the disillusionment that hovers over his life.
In the defense of Dexter Mayhew, it is clear that his feelings for Emma ran deeper than lust and infatuation. One of the show's overarching themes is that real love takes time, growth, and understanding. We see Dexter get in and out of relationships, but his with Emma was always strong (for the most part). When they first met, they had different goals that didn't align well romantically. He cared for her enough to realize he would hurt her; even telling her this while on their trip to Greece.
One of the most fulfilling parts of the show was watching Dexter's journey to understanding his emotions and healing from his traumas and insecurities. One of the most significant arcs is his mother's illness and how he copes with the idea of losing her; and then how he changes when she's gone. And, it wouldn't be anything if not for the amazing acting from Leo Woodhall, who truly brought Dexter Mayhew's character to life.
Image Courtesy: Netflix
Emma
When we first meet Emma, she is incredibly proud of herself, her potential, and her future. One of the biggest takeaways from her character was her intelligence and wit. Her sharp sense of humor often resulted in sarcasm, which ultimately served as a coping mechanism to deflect from exposing her vulnerabilities.
As the show progresses, we see Emma go from an idealistic dreamer to a pragmatic pessimist. The journey through adulthood forces her to confront questions about her identity and purpose. Over time, we see her struggle with the reality that her aspirations don't match the life she dreamed for herself.
Emma's relationship with Dexter does not define her character arc; she did not wait for him and was not used by him. Rather than pinning her hopes on a romantic ideal, Emma chooses to live her life on her own terms. Although it took her a little longer to find her passion, she lived and entertained relationships, pursued her ambitions, and nurtured her personal growth. This journey of self-discovery ultimately leads Emma to a place of greater self-awareness and acceptance as she learns to embrace the complexities of adulthood with resilience and grace.
Image Courtesy: Netflix
Em and Dex
"It's one of the great cosmic mysteries. How is it that someone can go from being a total stranger to being the most important person in your life?"
Emma and Dexter's relationship is a prolonged game of will-they-won't-they that lasts two decades. The initial encounter on July 15, 1988, set the stage for an emotional rollercoaster of missed opportunities, misunderstandings, and dynamic friendships.
Both Emma and Dexter are avoidants. The "will-they-won't-they" dynamic is perpetuated by Dexter and Emma's reluctance to confront their true feelings for each other and their tendency to prioritize different aspects of their lives over their romantic connection. Dexter's dismissive, avoidant traits show in his pursuit of fame and success, often taking precedence over his relationship with Emma. In contrast, Emma's fearful, avoidant traits show her fear of vulnerability, leading her to deflect intimacy and seek solace in her intelligence and sarcasm.
"We grew up together, I like that."
For people saying that "They wasted so much time" or "It's tragic Dex and Em only got three years together," no. They got 15 years. Glossing over the part of their lives together when they were best friends, to only focus on the three years they were romantically involved, completely misses the point of their love. They didn't waste time; their story was just sadly cut short.
For 15 years, they were the most important people in each other's lives. In those years, they were the people they felt most comfortable reaching out to. We see that when Dexter calls her crying at the train station and when Emma writes letters to Dex during their first year after University, not begging for any replies but feeling comfortable enough to vent.
We also witness the depth of their connection during their argument in 1994. Dexter is euphoric - high on life and drugs, while Emma is trapped in a loveless relationship and a tedious job. Both are at the lowest points in their lives. And as the people who know each other best in the world, they find themselves compelled to confront harsh truths about one another. It's often said that the truth hurts the people who know you better than anyone.
One thing for sure is Dexter loved Emma from the moment they met. This is the 80s; if you're not getting their number right then and there, you could never hear from them again. At the end of the first episode, when Dexter runs through the streets to get Emma's number, it is clear that he cares and wants to see her again. This act speaks volumes about his feelings for her, setting the stage for their relationship to blossom throughout the series.
One Day has given one of the most genuine and emotional stories about friendship and love, growth and grief, purpose and fulfillment, and relies on the notion that one single day, one single moment, can change the course of your life.
Image Courtesy: Netflix
Ambika and Leo, I will get you those Baftas, Emmys, Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and all of the nominations and wins next award season, trust me.
Strike Out,
Morgann Rhule
Boca Raton
Morgann (yes with 2 n’s) is the Web Director and a content writer for Strike Magazine. Her best friends describe her as a shopaholic bookworm who gives the best advice. Born in Jamaica, she wears it proudly with a beaded red, green, and gold necklace she never takes off. You can reach her on insta @morgannrhule or email morgannrhule@gmail.com
