One Day
Netflix
If you think it's been too long since you've had a good cry, this is the show for you. Netflix's new adaptation of David Nicholls' 2009 book One Day, which was made into a feature film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in 2011, hits you squarely in the feels, and is the first truly must-watch bingeable show of 2024.
The series, which has 14 episodes ranging from 18 to 38 minutes, follows charismatic charmer Dexter (Leo Woodall from The White Lotus and Vampire Academy) and bookish wannabe writer Emma (Ambika Mod of This is Going to Hurt) from their first meeting on the night of their graduation from university in Edinburgh on July 15, 1988.
Each episode we catch up with the pair on July 15, one year after the previous.
The long timespan and generosity of episodes allows for remarkable character development. Dex and Em experience so many highs and lows over the couple of decades we spend with them - failed romances, family tragedy, career milestones, mistakes, joy.
Both of the leads are engaging and soulful and have brilliant chemistry with one another, but it is the work of Woodall as the frustratingly averse to responsibility Dex that is the real stand-out.
Throughout the course of the story Dex faces more challenges - self-imposed and through no fault of his own - than anyone, and watching Woodall work through those emotions is incredibly moving.
There's one seen in particular where he recognises how thoroughly disappointing his behaviour has been and he is desperate to reach Emma for comfort, but only finds her answering machine and proceeds to completely fall apart. You feel that in your soul.
Aside from the story - which is so affecting because it feels like real life - One Day features some stunning locations, from Scotland to England, France to Greece, and brilliant styling to evoke the passage of time from the '80s to the 2000s without being too on-the-nose.
Assembled: The Making of The Marvels
Disney+
The Marvels has arrived on Disney+. and with it the latest instalment of the MCU's behind the scenes series, Assembled.
A must for anyone interesting in how these films get made, the hour-long program features interviews with key cast members like Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris and Zawe Ashton, director Nia DaCosta and various other important figures in production.
It's fascinating to learn, for instance, how composer Laura Karpman turned to a deaf percussionist for inspiration when it came to scoring scenes set in space, or how differently each of the three lead actresses approached stunt work on wires.
Vellani comes across as such a big kid, just genuinely thrilled be there and taking part - a reminder that these films are entertainment and about having a good time, which some intense fans can forget.
Suncoast
Disney+
A coming of age film set in 2005, Suncoast comes to Disney+ from the Sundance Film Festival and is a sweet, sad and moving film.
Led by Nico Parker - the talented daughter of Thandiwe Newton - and also starring Laura Linney (who never fails to deliver, even with a less-than-likeable character like we have here) and Woody Harrelson in support, the semi-autobiographical film from writer-director Laura Chinn looks at grief, responsibility, friendship and quality of life in a quiet, personal way.
