Released relatively anonymously in 2009, What?British author David Nicholls’ third novel is doing great by word of mouth. It went on to sell more than a million copies in the UK and the US.
Emma and Dexter’s story appeals to both female and male readers. Chronicle of an era and its generation, What? It depicts the relationship between the two characters for almost 20 years.
On July 15, 1988, after spending the night together at a drunken prom, they decide to remain friends. Then they worship each other, break up, hate each other, miss each other…
Also seduced by this premise, director Lone Scherfig used it to bring it to the screen in 2011. Without avoiding a few clichés, this film adaptation captures everything that makes the original material so appealing.
With its many themes – the transition to adulthood, personal fulfillment, male-female friendship… – and its temporality, One Day brings to mind both Robert Mulligan’s Same Time Next Year, the classic When Harry Met Sally, and the more recent Normal People. . series.
A subtle blend of romance and drama, tenderness and poignancy, the film also draws its strength from its two lead actors: Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.
All this is highlighted by the original soundtrack of Rachel Portman, a regular in romantic comedies, to whom we owe, among others, Mona Lisa’s smile, chocolate, never let me go or Emma the matchmaker, for which she received an Oscar in 1997.
What? By Lone Scherfig with Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Patricia Clarkson…
Tonight on 6 ter at 21:05.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
