One Day (2011)
One Day (2011), directed by Lone Scherfig, is a romantic drama based on the bestselling novel by David Nicholls. The film tells the story of Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess), two college friends who meet on the night of their graduation from the University of Edinburgh in 1988. The film follows their relationship over the next two decades, capturing their lives on the same day each year—July 15th—showing how their friendship, love, and personal journeys evolve over time.
Despite their instant connection, Emma and Dexter take different paths in life. Emma, a pragmatic and idealistic woman, works hard at various jobs in London, hoping to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Dexter, a charming but selfish and carefree man, achieves fame as a television presenter, living a life of excess and superficiality. Throughout the years, they navigate relationships, career challenges, and personal growth, with their friendship always remaining a central thread in their lives.
As time passes, the dynamic between Emma and Dexter shifts. They both experience heartbreak, personal struggles, and the consequences of their choices, and the film explores the question of whether they will ever truly be together. The story builds toward a poignant and emotional climax, where Emma and Dexter must confront their feelings for each other, the mistakes they’ve made, and the possibility of a future together.
One Day is a poignant exploration of love, fate, and the passage of time. The film alternates between lighthearted moments and heartbreaking ones, with themes of missed opportunities, the impact of choices, and the nature of destiny running throughout. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess deliver strong performances, capturing the complexities of their characters and their evolving relationship over the years.
The film’s bittersweet ending is both satisfying and heartbreaking, leaving audiences to reflect on the idea that sometimes the most important relationships in life don’t follow the path we expect. One Day is a deeply emotional and reflective film, offering a moving exploration of love and life’s unpredictable journey.