Netflix’s “One Day” has enraptured audiences with its romantic tale spanning decades, but beneath its polished facade lie a plethora of filming errors that have caught the attention of eagle-eyed viewers. From anachronistic automobiles to wardrobe faux pas, the series’ temporal authenticity comes under scrutiny as fans take to social media to dissect its inaccuracies.
Netflix’s “One Day” has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, immersing them in the nostalgic journey of Emma and Dexter, portrayed by Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall, respectively. However, despite its widespread acclaim, eagle-eyed fans have unearthed several filming inaccuracies that have left them scratching their heads and taking to Twitter to voice their observations.
Spanning three decades from the 1980s to the 2010s, the romantic comedy series prides itself on authentic period portrayals, from clothing to societal norms. Yet, amidst the meticulous attention to detail, discerning viewers have spotted discrepancies that challenge the show’s temporal fidelity.
One recurring oversight involves anachronistic automobiles, with characters cruising around in cars that predate their supposed release dates. In one instance, Emma’s dalliance with her school’s headteacher in 1995 features a Ford Mondeo MK2, a model not manufactured until 2000. Set designers attempted to conceal the error by affixing a J registration plate, falsely suggesting an earlier production year.
Similarly, Emma’s drama troupe embarks on a tour in a mid-90s van during a scene set in 1989, conveniently masked with a C registration plate to imply an older vintage. Viewers lamented these gaffes, questioning the show’s commitment to temporal accuracy.
Social media buzzed with critiques of the characters’ wardrobe choices, noting instances where clothing styles appeared too modern for their respective eras. Notably, Emma’s iconic yellow top in the series’ inaugural episode set in 1988 drew scrutiny for its contemporary design, sparking debates among fashion-conscious viewers.
Beyond wardrobe blunders, architectural inconsistencies further erode the show’s temporal authenticity. During a picturesque picnic scene set in 1990 on Primrose Hill, London, Emma and Dexter enjoy the skyline, unwittingly gazing upon structures that had yet to grace the cityscape. The Triton Tower and Osnaburgh Street’s residential complex, completed in 2012 and 2009, respectively, betray the scene’s purported temporal setting.
Even intimate dining scenes are not spared from scrutiny, as a candle-lit dinner in 1991 Greece exposes anachronistic wine glasses ill-suited to the era. Viewers noted the mismatch between the delicate, oversized glasses depicted and the shorter, thicker vessels typical of the time, detracting from the scene’s authenticity.
The show’s attention to culinary detail also fell short, with a London restaurant scene in 1992 featuring exorbitant menu prices inconsistent with inflation rates of the period. Viewers balked at the advertised £22 salmon dish and £28 fillet steak, far exceeding the era’s pricing norms and undermining the scene’s credibility.
In the third episode of “One Day,” viewers are treated to a picturesque picnic scene on Primrose Hill in 1990, where Dexter and Emma enjoy a moment of tranquility. However, as the camera pans to capture the London skyline, keen-eyed viewers noticed glaring discrepancies. The inclusion of Triton Tower and Osnaburgh Street in the backdrop raises eyebrows, as both structures were erected years after the scene’s purported timeframe. Triton Tower, completed in 2012, and Osnaburgh Street’s 20-storey residential building, finalized in 2009, betray the episode’s attempt at historical accuracy.
In episode eight, Emma’s brief dalliance with her school’s headteacher unfolds, offering insight into her character’s romantic entanglements. However, amidst the drama, a subtle yet significant filming error emerges. Scenes featuring Emma’s car, a Ford Mondeo MK2, inadvertently disrupt the show’s temporal continuity. Despite the storyline’s placement in 1995, the Ford Mondeo MK2 did not debut until the turn of the millennium in 2000, prompting astute viewers to question the show’s attention to detail.
As Dexter and Emma navigate the bustling streets of London in 1992, their dining experience at a local restaurant becomes a focal point for discerning fans. A specials board prominently displays meal prices that exceed historical norms, raising eyebrows among eagle-eyed viewers. With a fillet steak priced at £28 and salmon at £22, the menu defies the economic realities of the era, where such dishes would have commanded significantly lower prices, around £13 and £8 respectively.
Despite “One Day’s” meticulous attention to period detail, wardrobe discrepancies persist, particularly evident in Emma’s styling choices throughout the series. While Dexter’s outfits generally align with the era’s fashion trends, Emma’s wardrobe often misses the mark, veering towards a more modern aesthetic. This deviation from historical accuracy detracts from the show’s authenticity, leaving viewers questioning the consistency of its portrayal of 90s fashion.
Despite its immersive narrative and stellar performances, “One Day” grapples with filming inaccuracies that have not gone unnoticed by its devoted fan base. While the series continues to charm audiences with its poignant storytelling, these missteps serve as reminders of the challenges inherent in recreating past eras onscreen. As viewers eagerly await future instalments, they remain vigilant for further lapses in temporal authenticity, ensuring that even the most beloved shows are held to account for their filming faux pas.
