*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“We all make our choices…”

The One premiered on Netflix on March 12th 2021 with eight episodes available to stream now. The series stars Hannah Ware, Zoë Tapper, Lois Chimimba, and Eric Kofi-Abrefa. Each episode runs for approximately 40-44 minutes. 

Based on the book of the same name, the series centers around a popular dating app that promises to genetically match you with your true love. While it initially seems too good to be true, happy couples end up testing out their curiosity. Actions lead to deadly consequences as stable relationships are destroyed.

Here is the trailer:

The One may seem extremely similar to the plot of AMC’s Soulmates anthology series, but it adds in a murder mystery to give itself a unique edge. The thriller drama checks off everything needed for your next binge-watch, but does it do enough to separate itself from its predecessor? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Intriguing concept wrapped in a guilty pleasure mystery.

I’ve never seen Soulmates, but I read the synopsis and agree that the plots sound extremely similar. That being said, I think that the concept is actually really interesting. What if you eliminate everything you know about finding true love with science?

It sounds like a fairy-tale and too good to be true, but this show does a good job of exploring this concept while strategically revealing the pros and cons of changing the rules of dating forever.

There is also this dark mystery surrounding the main character, which keeps the viewer coming back for more.

Easy to binge-watch.

The pace moves very quickly and I thought that the amount of episodes paired with the length worked in its favor. There are many shows like this that drag and drag and this one was able to keep me watching for hours at a time.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Frustrating characters.

I mean, really frustrating. The dumb decisions continue over and over again which made it really difficult to connect to any of the characters except for maybe Kate, who was an actual likable police detective.

Rebecca is a villainess without any flair, but I actually thought her flashbacks were much more interesting and I would have liked to see more of a balance between her past and present self because it felt like a jarring disconnect.

Imitation is not always the sincerest form of flattery.

While I didn’t see Soulmates, many of the reviews I read are comparing the two and saying that this show pales in comparison. I think that it helped that I didn’t watch that show because I went into this show with fresh eyes, but I could see why this would be a con for some viewers.

Also, I didn’t read the novel, but many fans on social media are saying that the series really strays from the plot of the book, which makes me wonder why?

Sometimes doing too much forces the issue and I think that if this show had smoothed out some of its inconsistencies, it might have actually been something truly brilliant. The concept is there, but some things were not executed properly. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent.

I thought that this show got much better as it went on. While I have some reservations about it and there are some inconsistencies, annoying characters, and a lot going on, the show still has an addicting backbone at its core. It does enough to keep you coming back for more.

While I have seen a lot of comparisons to Big Little Lies and The Stranger, I thought that the show felt closest to What/If on Netflix. We have the ruthless villainess and a manipulative mind game weaving characters together while sprinkling in a murder mystery.

Like What/If, I finished this show very quickly and was never really bored. However, I was frustrated with both shows because I wanted a lot more from them and I think with a few tweaks, they could have achieved this goal.

While I enjoyed this thriller more than Behind Her Eyes and Tell Me Your Secrets, which were both disappointing, I’m still hoping for my next diamond in the rough.

If you enjoy guilty pleasure thrillers and are in need of a quick weekend watch, I recommend this, but if you are looking for something with more layers and heart, I would sit this one out.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The One in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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