One Day, a film based on the successful British novel of the same title by David Nicholls, follows the lives of two unlikely friends, Emma and Dexter, on one eventful day, July 15, over the course of 20 years. It is a romantic drama, with dramatic twists and some comedic moments.

Emma, played by Anne Hathaway, is a pessimistic, practical and hardworking girl with dreams of becoming an author, while Dexter, played by Jim Sturgess, is a loud, fun-loving, and confident boy with no real ambitions. The two grew up together and gave each other support through the years, despite their conflicts and other relationships.

Hathaway’s acting is great, although it was strange to hear her with the British accent she acquired for the film. She is responsible for bringing most of the dry and cheeky humor to the film. I also thought Jim, the British actor and musician who played Dexter, does a fantastic job. I especially enjoyed seeing Patricia Clarkson featured as Dexter’s beloved mother, and wished she had played a larger role.

If you are not familiar with the storyline, the fast pace of the film and constant jumping around can be confusing and force you to play catch up. Since nothing ever seemed to be reiterated, it is easy to get lost or behind the story.

Leaping to the next year every couple scenes left many things unknown, and it made the film feel incomplete. I would have preferred had we gotten to see more of Emma’s background since, unlike the book, the movie was mainly centered on Dexter’s life.

Despite the initial sense of predictability One Day had, it had a quite unexpected ending that caught me off guard. It was definitely not your typical love story, and it was unique and starkly realistic.

Overall I thought that One Day is an exciting and truthful film about two friends’ transitions through life together and apart. It’s definitely for older audiences than my own, mainly because of its frequently melancholy nature. Those who are fond of the novel also will be enthusiastic about One Day as a film.

Aran Kirschenmann, 15, is a contributing writer for the Bellevue Reporter and a sophomore at The International School in Bellevue. You may reach and connect with her on her Facebook page “The Young Critic.”