Based on the novel by John Marrs, Netflix have released a new psychological, sci-fi drama series – The One. A trending hit already in UK; the series focuses on a revolutionised world where people are being matched together with their perfect partner based on their DNA.
The ten-episode series captivates viewers through three storyline narratives which all interlink together in the same world. One perspective from Rebecca Webb (Hannah Ware) the CEO of The One, another is from Detective Kate (Zoe Tapper) and her mission to investigate Rebecca and her devious actions.
On the flip side, it also focuses on the lives of Hannah and Mark (Lois Chimimba and Eric Kofi-Abrefa), an ordinary couple who are living with the consequences of this new matched world.
Drama is an understatement in this series, which is reflected by various key moments such as Rebecca’s power struggles and determination to protect her vicious secrets from Detective Kate, to Hannah’s paranoia in her relationship due to this new dating technology.
It got more noticeable that the series left you as a viewer in a position where either you are rooting for the “hero” or the “villain” which is a great narrative in these type of TV series.
This is illustrated by on one hand you are supporting Rebecca and enjoy letting the “villain” win for her crimes due to her powerful character or whether you want Kate to win and be able to live out her life with newly found match Sophia; or if it is just Sophia…
Both Hannah Ware (Rebecca) and Zoe Tapper (Kate) perform brilliantly as the two “main” characters in this drama series, with many of the key moments being shown when they are focussed on, hopefully this will be reflected even more on in the future of the series.
Unfortunately, the middle of the series somewhat fizzled out, with some parts feeling less relevant to the main narrative of the plot and areas feeling less viral to the story with storylines not progressing fast enough, although the pace seemed to have kicked straight back into action during the last two compelling episodes.
Nevertheless, the main plot of the series is a fantastic idea, with the idea of an alternate reality where dating is non-existent, but you are assigned to find “the one” highlights the notion of people being able to truly find their ‘soulmate’.
Ultimately, this new series is a must watch if you love a drama series, with each episode answering more questions, yet the gripping finale left a considerable amount of mystery being left unravelled, which has left an open invitation for the series to continue in the future.
There is some great potential in this series to go big if they stick to the main idea of this ‘matched up world’ but reflected in a wider context.
The One is available to watch on Netflix
Series rating: 8/10
By Jack Proverbs
Feature image: Netflix