Entertainment
‘One Day’ on Netflix Is Mediocre at Best, Woodall and Mod Save the Day
While the show is being lauded for its portrayal of romance and heartbreak, is the 14-episode-long watch actually worth it?
Dexter Mayhew is the guy of the guys, the popular Mr. Handsome, who has probably fallen on every man and woman’s radar in his four years at the University of Edinburgh (including Emma’s). Emma Morley is a working-class girl from Leeds and a bookworm with a double first in English and History.
The story of One Day unfolds when Dexter and Emma catch each other’s attention at the graduation ball on July 14, 1988, and end up spending the night together. To both of their surprises, the two don’t actually have sex, but something much sexier. They indulge in real conversation. This bond they end up building in that one night sets the course for our leads, Dexter and Emma.
Based on a novel by David Nicholls, One Day is a story of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew which spans through July 15 of every year for the next 20 years of their lives. The book was first adapted as a screenplay for a feature film of the same name which saw Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in the lead. Later, it was adapted as a television series for Netflix which premiered on February 8, 2024.
Since its release on Netflix, One Day has received rave reviews. While some of the viewers knew about its adaptational chain, some were taken aback upon finding out that the show is actually based on that film by Hathaway which was based on that book.
The writer personally had some mixed reactions to the show, where the unsatisfactory experience, unfortunately, outweighed the good ones.
Here’s what I think of Netflix’s One Day: likes first and then dislikes.
What I liked about Netflix’s ‘One Day’
One Day is a captivating drama series that intricately weaves together the lives of its characters in a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time.
Set against the backdrop of a small town, the show unfolds over the course of a single day for 20 years, offering viewers a snapshot of the character’s lives and the interconnectedness of their experiences through all those years.
Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as Emma and Dexter (Source: Netflix)
At the heart of the series is its ensemble cast, each delivering compelling performances that breathe life into their respective roles. Leo Woodall appears as electric as Dexter Mayhew. The actor is just the right bit of cocky and charming, which makes Woodall’s performance feel right for the show.
Hathaway’s film character is reprised on Netflix’s show by Ambika Mod. This slight but seemingly conscious difference in casting adds a layered context to the content of the novel, which gradually develops from the 1980s.
Mod, as Emma, is talented, intelligent, sarcastic, and sometimes mean, but that little arrogance Mod brings to Morley’s character makes a viewer wonder if she has had to make herself competitive over the years as a brown woman growing up among rich White people to feel like she belongs.
The show’s cinematography is another standout element, with sweeping shots of the picturesque town serving as a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. In the 14 episodes, we travel across Europe and the UK along with the characters. The viewers of the show, who are mostly Gen Z or millennials at best, are exposed to what it was like growing up in the 1980s and 90s in Europe and the UK.
The tinted screen with an orange hinge is used smartly to set the universe, which makes the viewers aware at all times that everything that’s happening and everything that we see is set in the past. The calm and steady frames evoke a sense of atmosphere and mood, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Thematically, One Day explores universal themes such as love, loss, redemption, and the passage of time. Through its cast of characters and their intersecting storylines, it offers a perspective, and a perspective shifts episode after episode.
There’s a lot of grief in the show. From grieving their youths to grieving the loss of their loved ones to grieving themselves as they were in the past, the passage of time is shown in an eloquent way. The story is not of success nor is it of failure. The leads are forever a work in progress, be it in their professional life, personal or emotional regards. This is also one of the most realistic parts of the show, just the fact that life’s not always the same. Every passing moment, no matter how eclectic or miserable, is transient at best.
What I didn’t like about Netflix’s ‘One Day’
While One Day excels in several aspects, it’s not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel uneven, with certain subplots dragging on longer than necessary. Additionally, some viewers may find the linear narrative structure monotonous, especially in the early episodes. The show is broken down into fourteen 30-minute episodes, and often feels too lengthy and dragged.
The other hugely disappointing factor about the show is the chemistry between the leads. Woodall and Mod are individually at their best, but their coming together is underwhelming to the core. There is no story there. The leads profess their attraction to one another at different points in their life, and not one of the moments is romantically convincing enough.
The tension between the lead characters remains unexplored and is boiled down to mere sex in the latter part of the show, but it could have been so much more. The ‘time factor’ could easily chime in here. The emotional intimacy, especially from the female lead’s part, is concealed in the form of rude remarks, and while it’s funny at first, it gets boring later on.
Still from Netflix’s ‘One Day’
The subplots don’t add up. Characters like Tilly and Ian just appear and disappear out of nowhere. Sylvie and Callum’s characters were just swept under the rugs. The weak direction wasn’t able to portray the nature of the leads’ relationship with the supporting characters, leaving the viewers to wonder if the other characters indeed added something of significance to the story.
The climax is, to say the least, lacking. The most obvious, predictable climax was also the least sellable part of the show. It is abrupt and random and feels unnecessary. The novel readers and moviegoers were familiar with what was coming, but that shouldn’t have stopped the makers of the show from pulling all stops to make ‘the moment’ as gut-wrenching as possible.
While Woodall pulls off an immaculate performance in the final episode and tries to make up for the abysmal attempt at the climax, it is still not enough.
The show is being compared to a contemporary adaptation of another successful novel, Normal People. Both shows are about young people discovering themselves with some complicated romantic will-they-won’t-they entanglement along the way. Sadly, this is where the similarities between the shows begin and end. There are no layers to peel on Netflix’s One Day.
All in all, One Day on Netflix is a solid take on the retro romance genre, with two promising up-and-coming actors showcasing their talent. Sadly, it is neither too deep nor very philosophical and oftentimes bland.
The show is also a commitment of a few hours of one’s time. So, if you are looking for a no-brainer romance, this may be a suitable weekend binge, but if you are a character-driven person, it’s best to skip it as the show doesn’t offer anything new or groundbreaking.
In recent years, the film industry has significantly shifted towards stories set in small towns, bringing fresh perspectives and untold narratives to the forefront.
These stories offer a glimpse into the nuanced lives of communities often overlooked in mainstream cinema, challenging audiences to engage with diverse experiences and environments. This movement towards small-town tales is not just a trend but a transformative force in modern filmmaking, reshaping how stories are told and what stories are considered worth telling.
The Rise of the Underdog
One notable example of this shift can be seen in the Possum Trot movie, a film that brings the intricate dynamics of rural life into the limelight. Such movies go beyond mere settings; they delve into the heart and soul of communities, showcasing the strength, resilience, and complexity of people living far from urban sprawl.
This focus on underrepresented locales has broadened the thematic horizons of cinema and democratized storytelling, allowing for more voices and experiences to be heard.
Authentic Representation
Small town stories provide a platform for authentic representation, showcasing the realities of life in these communities. This authenticity resonates with audiences, offering a break from the often-glamorized portrayals of city life in movies. The realness of the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs strike a chord, creating a more inclusive and relatable cinematic experience.
Diverse Storytelling Perspectives
The shift towards small-town narratives has introduced a variety of storytelling perspectives, enriching the film industry with diverse tales that might otherwise remain untold. These stories challenge stereotypes and offer a more nuanced understanding of places and people frequently marginalized or misunderstood in mainstream media.
Innovative Storytelling Techniques
Filmmakers exploring small town stories often employ innovative storytelling techniques to capture the essence of these communities. From unique cinematography that highlights the natural beauty of rural landscapes to narratives that weave together the folklore and traditions of a place, these films push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
Economic Impact on Small Towns
Interestingly, films set in small towns can have a positive economic impact on the locations where they are shot. They bring attention to lesser-known areas, potentially boosting tourism and local business. This symbiotic relationship between filmmaking and location benefits the art of cinema and the communities that inspire it.
Fostering Community and Connection
Small town stories often center around community, belonging, and connection themes. These universal themes resonate widely, reminding viewers of the importance of human connections and the power of community, regardless of the setting. Films highlighting these aspects can foster a sense of unity and understanding among audiences.
Challenging Mainstream Norms
By bringing small town narratives to the forefront, modern films challenge mainstream norms and expand what is considered worthy of cinematic exploration. This shift not only diversifies the stories seen on screen but also challenges audiences to question and expand their perspectives.
The Future of Small Town Stories in Cinema
As the film industry continues to evolve, the importance of small town stories remains undeniable. These narratives counterbalance the urban-centric tales that dominate cinema, providing a refreshing change of pace and depth. The continued interest in small town stories signifies a broader desire for films that reflect the full spectrum of human experience, promising a future of cinema that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of our world.
Incorporating small town stories profoundly changes the landscape of modern films. These narratives bring depth, diversity, and authenticity to cinema, challenging conventional storytelling and offering audiences new perspectives on the world.
As filmmakers continue to explore the rich tapestry of life in small communities, we can expect to see a broader, more inclusive representation of human experiences on screen. The shift towards these stories reflects a changing industry and society, which values the stories of all its members, regardless of where they live.
Entertainment
Three True-Crime Documentaries Coming to Netflix in April 2024
Time to snuggle with a cozy blanket and some popcorns!
Netflix has a wide range of TV shows and movies.
Alongside them, Netflix also hosts a lot of documentaries. It has a wide range of documentaries but the true-crime genre is the one that has its audience sitting on the edge of their seats.
There are various true-crime documentaries and docuseries on the platform, including American Nightmare, Girl in the Picture, Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, Tiger King, and Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer, among others.
In April 2024, various documentaries and docuseries are coming to Netflix. However, the three most anticipated true-crime shows are — What Jennifer Did, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer, and Files of the Unexplained.
Here is all we know about it.
‘What Jennifer Did’
What Jennifer Did is an upcoming documentary directed by Jenny Popplewell, the creator of another famous Netflix documentary, American Murder: The Family Next Door.
What Jennifer Did digs into the frightening story of Jennifer Pan, who plotted to murder her parents. The crime, disguised as a heist gone wrong, unravels through police interrogation film and interviews, showing Pan’s network of lies leading up to the incident.
Pan is a Canadian woman who was convicted of a 2010 kill-for-hire attack on her parents, which killed her mother and injured her father. The crime occurred at the Pan house in Unionville, Markham, Ontario, in the Greater Toronto Area.
According to her exact account, several gunmen entered the house, forcefully retrained her and her parents, then shot them. Her father, Huei Hann, was sent to the hospital, and her mother, Bich Ha, died instantaneously.
A whole new image appears as the law enforcement personnel piece together the facts. Pan plotted the entire operation with her drug dealer boyfriend, Daniel Wong, whom her parents had forbidden her from dating.
This motivated her to seek his help and devise a plan to murder her parents. This threatening notion was carried out in the form of a burglary, with Pan as the victim. The documentary will also concentrate on her arrest and the legal processes.
What Jennifer Did will be released on April 10, 2024.
‘Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer’
As the name of the documentary suggests, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer is based on true events that occurred in Berlin. The series examines the case of several odd and unusual killings.
In 2012, three guys were murdered and robbed in Berlin after being unintentionally drugged. While the murderer was called ‘The Darkroom Murderer’ at the time, just one occurred in a dark room at a homosexual bar in Berlin.
‘Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer’ will be released on April 3, 2024. (Source: Netflix)
However, the murderer did look for guys in and around the city’s party scene to prey on victims. Only when one of his targets survived his attack and the assassin attempted to purchase a train ticket with one of the deceased men’s credit cards did the inquiry begin to narrow.
Jan Zabeil and Caroline Schaper directed this true crime show and Netflix will begin streaming the series on April 3, 2024.
‘Files of the Unexplained’
Files of the Unexplained is an upcoming terrifying eight-episode docu-series that talks about strange encounters, weird disappearances, disturbing incidents, the mystery of mutilated feet washing up, and more.
This investigative documentary series examines genuine stories that defy explanations and talk about witnessing weird encounters and strange events.
Files of the Unexplained kind of dives into a similar area as its previous documentaries like Unsolved Mysteries, Haunted, and 28 Days Haunted. According to its plot on Netflix, the series is described as “Eerie encounters, bizarre disappearances, haunting events, and more perplexing phenomena are explored in this chilling investigative docuseries.”
The docuseries will be released on April 3, 2024.
Entertainment
‘Cowboy Carter’ — Everything You Need to Know About Beyonce’s New Album
The album will be released on March 29, 2024.
When Beyoncé announced her 2022 album Renaissance, she made it clear that it was merely the first installment of a multi-act body of work.
And now, after over two years of waiting, the singer has revealed that Act II is on the way — Cowboy Carter. Cowboy Carter, also known as Act II: Cowboy Carter or just Act II, is Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, set to be released on March 29, 2024, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records.
It is the second chapter of Beyoncé’s trilogy project, developed during the COVID-19 epidemic, and follows Renaissance (2022).
The then-untitled album was first announced on February 11, 2024, during Super Bowl LVIII, when Verizon Communications aired a Super Bowl commercial, titled ‘Can’t B Broken,’ in which Beyoncé tried to ‘break the Internet’ by doing increasingly outlandish means — from releasing a jazz saxophone record and performing on top of the Las Vegas Sphere to building an AI version of herself and launching a “Barbey” doll collection.
After all of the ideas failed, Beyoncé closed the advertisement by saying, “Okay, they ready. Drop the new music.” Following the broadcast, the singer shared a preview video for Act II on Instagram.
The video paid tribute to the 1984 movie, Paris, Texas, which mentions border blasters, and incorporates Chuck Berry’s 1955 song ‘Maybellene.’ The singer’s official website was updated the same day, announcing her eighth studio album, Act II, which would be released on March 29, 2024.
The album’s two main singles, ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and ‘16 Carriages,’ were then made available for digital download and streaming. On March 12, 2024, Beyoncé stated that the album would be called Cowboy Carter via a teaser poster with a western saddle and sash.
She released the album cover on Instagram on March 19, 2024, and teased surprises and collaborations on the album. On March 20, 2024, she unveiled a limited edition unique cover featuring a ribbon that says “act ii BEYINCÉ,” referring to a generational family surname.
On March 27, 2024, she unveiled the album’s tracklist via a themed poster. She shared a graphic on Instagram of the album’s tracklist, which was inspired by classic Chitlin’ Circuit posters.
Cover of Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, ‘Cowboy Carter.’ (Source: Instagram)
It includes the titles “Dolly P” and “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson,” implying possible collaborations with Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Similarly, ‘Jolene,’ was written on the poster, which netizens believe is a cover or reinterpretation of the Parton’s song of the same name.
‘The Linda Martell Show,’ has also been mentioned on the poster, possibly referring to the first Black woman to achieve commercial success in the country genre.
The themed poster revealing the album’s tracklist has been confusing a lot of netizens. The following things have been mentioned on the poster, so possibly, these are the songs on the album.
They are — ‘Texas Hold ‘Em,’ ‘16 Carriages,’ ‘Ameriican Requiem,’ ‘Blackbiird,’ ‘Protector,’ ‘My Rose,’ ‘Bodyguard,’ ‘Daughter,’ ‘Spaghettii,’ ‘Alliigator Tears,’ ‘Smoke Hour Willie Nelson,’ ‘Smoke Hour II,’ ‘Just for Fun,’ ‘II Most Wanted,’ ‘Levii’s Jeans,’ ‘Flamenco,’ ‘Ya Ya,’ ‘Oh Louisiana,’ ‘Desert Eagle,’ ‘Riiverdance,’ ‘Tyrant,’ ‘II Hands II Heaven,’ ‘Sweet Honey Buckin’,’ ‘Amen,’ ‘Jolene,’ and ‘The Linda Martell Show.’
It looks like we will only get to know the collaborations and tracklist of Cowboy Carter after its release on March 29, 2024.
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