Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based drama has mature themes and brief nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
One Day
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say that this film contains significant themes and moments that resonate with older audiences, though it is not suitable for younger children due to explicit content, including sexual situations and language. Opinions are divided; while some viewers appreciate the depth and emotional storytelling, others find it boring and inappropriate for family viewing.
- explicit content
- emotional depth
- mixed reviews
- not family-friendly
- character complexity
- strong performances
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) meet during a university graduation celebration on St. Swithin's Day—July 15, 1988. Though they nearly sleep together, they ultimately don't, instead spending the night talking and forming the foundation of a curious and evolving friendship. Over the next two decades, they forge their separate paths—Dexter as a too-hip TV presenter, Emma first as a reluctant restaurant waitress/manager and, later, a teacher and writer. They date others and even fall in love, but through it all, their friendship endures, sometimes under the most vexing circumstances. Will they ever realize that they're meant for each other? And if they do, what happens next?
Is It Any Good?
Unlike David Nicholls' source novel, this movie adaptation sadly isn't a romance for the ages. Following in the footsteps of a beloved book is always challenging; how to infuse the cinematic version with the nuance and vision it deserves? The main characters' once-a-year check-in that gives the novel structure hampers the momentum here, and the chemistry between Hathaway and Sturgess comes and goes—a crucial flaw in a movie like this.
That's not to say that One Day is a failure. It has enough charm and commitment to power it through. The dialogue, written by Nicholls, feels authentic and is often funny, and the actors are eager to inhabit their characters (though Hathaway's British accent distractingly slips in and out of American tones). And then there's the story: It's still compelling, relatable, and moving (clunky surprise ending notwithstanding).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the friendship between Em and Dex that's central to One Day. Is it believable? Relatable? Are they equals? Is it important for people in a close friendship to have an equal stake in their relationship?
What messages does the movie send about love? Do you think love is worth more when you have to work hard to achieve it?
How does the movie depict Dex's drinking? Are the consequences of his behavior realistic? Why does that matter?
This film is based on a novel and also has a related TV series. Have you read or watched either? How does this movie compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 19, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2011
- Cast : Anne Hathaway , Jim Sturgess , Patricia Clarkson
- Director : Lone Scherfig
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, partial nudity, language, some violence and substance abuse
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate