Every year without fail on St Swithin's Day (that's July 15) I stop and think to myself: "I wonder what Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley are doing now?" If you've read One Day, the popular 2009 bestseller from David Nicholls or watched its inferior 2011 film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, you'll know that one of the character's whereabouts is more grounded than the other. Anyway, the good news is, if you miss Em and Dex, Netflix are reviving their story for an upcoming 14-episode series.
What is the One Day Netflix series about?
One Day is the ultimate will-they, won't-they romance. The source material has gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into over 40 languages. Given how widely-adored the book is, there were many people who were underwhelmed with its 2011 adaptation, believing the film couldn't tackle the complexity of Dex and Em's 20-year relationship. So with more breathing room, we can't wait to see how Netflix tackles the story.
The novel begins on July 15, 1988 on the night of Emma and Dexter's graduation from the University of Edinburgh, where the two speak to each other for the first time. Emma is a clever working class girl from Leeds, Dexter is the charismatic, popular posh boy. They stay in touch, and the novel revisits them on this day once a year for the next two decades. During this time we witness their relationship fracture, strain, soften and merge.
From the look of Netflix's logline for the show, it will stay true to the plot, and with each new episode we find ourselves in a new year.
Who is involved?
Leo Woodall from The White Lotus season 2 has been tapped to play Dex, while Ambika Mod from This is Going to Hurt will play Em, in what we think is perfect casting. Essie Davis is also involved, possibly as Dexter's astute and sophisticated mother. While Tim McInnerny, Amber Grappy, Jonny Weldon, Eleanor Tomlinson, Joely Richardson, and Toby Stephens have also signed onto the project.
Nicholls will serve as executive producer, while Molly Manners will step on to direct.
Is there a release date?
One Day will be dropping on Netflix just in time for Valentine's Day. The series will premiere on February 8, 2024.
