One Day is a Netflix series based on the novel by David Nicholls, which follows the lives of Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley, two friends who met on the day of their graduation in 1988. The series shows their relationship on the same date, July 15, every year, until 2024, when a tragic event changes everything. The ending of One Day is heartbreaking, as it reveals what happens to Dexter and Emma after they finally get together, and how they cope with loss, grief, and love.
Why Emma had to die in One Day
Emma and Dexter had a complicated relationship, as they were always attracted to each other, but never seemed to be in sync. They had different careers, partners, and lifestyles, but they remained close friends who supported each other through their ups and downs. After Dexter’s divorce, he visits Emma in Paris in 1999, and confesses his feelings for her. Emma initially rejects him, but then changes her mind and decides to give him a chance. They get married, open a café, and try to have children, but they face some difficulties along the way.
Emma’s tragic death in a bicycle accident
On July 15, 2024, Emma is riding her bike to the café, when she is hit by a truck. She dies instantly, leaving Dexter devastated and alone. The accident is shocking and unexpected, as Emma was wearing a helmet and looked both ways before crossing the road. The series does not explain why Emma had to die, but it implies that it was a random and cruel twist of fate, that took away their happiness just when they had found it.
Impact on Dexter and their relationship
Emma’s death has a profound impact on Dexter and their relationship, as it shatters his world and his sense of identity. He loses his wife, his best friend, and his soulmate, and he feels guilty for not being there for her. He also regrets the time they wasted apart, and the things they never said or did. He realizes that Emma was the only person who truly understood him, and who made him a better person. He misses her terribly, and he struggles to move on without her.
The ongoing journey of grief showcased in the finale
The finale of One Day shows the ongoing journey of grief that Dexter goes through after Emma’s death. He experiences different stages of grief, such as denial, anger, depression, and acceptance, and he tries to cope with his loss in different ways.
Dexter’s violent outburst and struggles with parenthood
One of the ways that Dexter copes with his grief is by lashing out at the world and himself. He gets drunk, takes drugs, and gets into fights. He also neglects his daughter, Jasmine, who is living with his ex-wife, Sylvie. He feels like he is a bad father, and that he does not deserve to be happy. He blames himself for Emma’s death, and he wishes he could trade places with her.
The final kiss between Emma and Dexter
Another way that Dexter copes with his grief is by holding on to his memories of Emma. He visits her grave, talks to her, and dreams of her. He also keeps a video of their wedding, where they share a passionate kiss. He watches the video over and over, and he feels like Emma is still with him. He also sees her ghost in his apartment, and he kisses her goodbye. The final kiss between Emma and Dexter is a symbolic gesture of closure, as he lets go of her and accepts her death.
What’s next for Dexter after Emma’s death
Dexter’s life after Emma’s death is not easy, but he gradually finds a way to heal and move on. He faces some challenges and opportunities, and he learns some lessons along the way.
Coping with grief and raising his daughter alone
One of the challenges that Dexter faces is coping with his grief and raising his daughter alone. He goes to therapy, and he tries to quit his bad habits. He also reconnects with his daughter, and he becomes more involved in her life. He realizes that he loves her, and that she is a part of Emma. He also decides to sell the café, and to pursue his passion for photography. He finds some joy and meaning in his work, and he honors Emma’s legacy.
The meaning of Emma’s Thomas Hardy quote
One of the opportunities that Dexter faces is finding a new love interest. He meets a woman named Alice, who is a journalist and a fan of his photos. They have a lot in common, and they start dating. Alice is kind and understanding, and she does not try to replace Emma. She also helps Dexter to understand the meaning of Emma’s Thomas Hardy quote, which she left for him in a letter. The quote is from Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and it says: “The beauty or ugliness of a character lay not only in its achievements, but in its aims and impulses; its true history lay, not among things done, but among things willed.” The quote means that Emma loved Dexter for who he was, not for what he did, and that she wanted him to be happy and fulfilled, regardless of his mistakes or failures.
Ian’s visit and impact on Dexter
One of the lessons that Dexter learns is the value of forgiveness and friendship. He receives a visit from Ian, Emma’s ex-boyfriend, who was also her friend and colleague. Ian tells Dexter that he is sorry for Emma’s death, and that he misses her too. He also tells Dexter that he is not angry with him, and that he is glad that Emma was happy with him. He gives Dexter a copy of Emma’s last book, which is dedicated to him. Ian’s visit and impact on Dexter show that they have both grown and matured, and that they have overcome their past rivalry and resentment. They also show that they share a bond of love and respect for Emma, and that they can be friends.
The significance of the ending and how it differs from the book
The ending of One Day is significant, as it explores the complexity and depth of Dexter and Emma’s relationship, and the lasting impact of their love story. It also differs from the book in some ways, which may affect the viewers’ reactions and interpretations.
Exploring the complexity and depth of Dexter and Emma’s relationship
The ending of One Day explores the complexity and depth of Dexter and Emma’s relationship, by showing how they evolved and changed over the years, and how they influenced and inspired each other. It also shows how they faced different challenges and opportunities, and how they supported and comforted each other. It also shows how they had a unique and special connection, that transcended time and space, and that survived death and separation. It also shows how they had a realistic and relatable relationship, that was not perfect or ideal, but that was honest and genuine.
The lasting impact of their love story
The ending of One Day also shows the lasting impact of their love story, by showing how they left a mark on each other’s lives, and on the lives of others. It shows how they made each other happy, and how they made each other better. It also shows how they touched the hearts of their friends, family, and fans, and how they left a legacy of creativity, kindness, and courage. It also shows how they taught each other and the viewers some valuable lessons, such as the importance of living in the present, the power of friendship, the beauty of imperfection, and the meaning of love.
How it differs from the book
The ending of One Day differs from the book in some ways, which may affect the viewers’ reactions and interpretations. For example, the book does not show Emma’s ghost, or the final kiss between Emma and Dexter. It also does not show Dexter’s new girlfriend, Alice, or Ian’s visit. It also does not show the video of their wedding, or the letter with the Thomas Hardy quote. These differences may make the ending of the series more emotional, romantic, or hopeful, depending on the viewers’ preferences and perspectives.
Conclusion
One Day is a Netflix series that tells the story of Dexter and Emma, two friends who met on the day of their graduation in 1988, and who had a complicated and intense relationship over the years. The ending of One Day is heartbreaking, as it reveals what happens to Dexter and Emma after they finally get together, and how they cope with loss, grief, and love. The ending of One Day is also significant, as it explores the complexity and depth of their relationship, and the lasting impact of their love story. It also differs from the book in some ways, which may affect the viewers’ reactions and interpretations. One Day is a series that celebrates the beauty and tragedy of life and love, and that invites the viewers to reflect on their own choices and chances.
