trmac-29234

When I saw this title on Netflix I thought "One Day" sounded familiar. It reminded me of this Anne Hathaway film I've never watched but I've seen in passing a million times over the past 10+ years. Lo and behold, the two are based on the same novel.

Coming into it blind, I was not expecting to be as blown away as I was. Seriously, I ended up binge watching the entire series in one sitting yesterday. I can't sing enough praises about it. The story is beautiful and touching. Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall were spectacular, especially Leo Woodall. After making me shed tears I didn't know existed and (parasocially) fall in love with Dex myself, I am such a fan of Leo and his acting now. I felt just about every emotion possible, in the best way possible.

It's made clear early on that when Emma and Dex meet they come from very, very different worlds. Personally, I think casting Ambika Mod was a brilliant move; not only was her acting amazing, but also I think casting a POC as Emma added a whole other layer to the differences between the two and the beauty of their love story that I wouldn't think achievable in the 2011 movie version with Anne Hathaway playing Emma (I should also add I've never read the novel. So, I'm uncertain if Emma was presented as a POC in the book, but if she wasn't, I truly can't imagine it being meant to be any other way). Mod and Woodall have chemistry that is off the Richter scale, and if you're reading this, yes, you should go watch it right now if you have not already!

Henry Golding is a god among men. Gorgeous, talented, and he made this film what it is. That being said, I did think the film fell a little flat. I guess I expected more coming into it because it's associated with BBC Films and Henry Golding starred, but Henry, while brilliant, could only work with what he was given. I couldn't get invested in his relationship with Lewis. I felt they lacked chemistry on screen and the guy who played Lewis was just not on Henry's level acting-wise. I think they could've chosen a much better lead. Overall, still a sweet, tender film that I'd probably recommend watching.

There is something truly special about this film. It's sweet, it's cute, it pulls at your heartstrings, it ALMOST made my eyes water, and I loved every second of it! Max Pelayo (Aristotle) took this role and tan away with it. He did a remarkable job and I was genuinely impressed. His acting career going forward looks very promising and I'm excited to see what's next for him. Reese Gonzales was also good, but there are a few moments here and there where it felt like the acting was overdone. I picked up that Dante was meant to be this fun, charming, outgoing, quirky individual, but some scenes just seemed unnatural. That's me being very knick-picky though; he's still a young actor. It's definitely one to watch!