The series to start your holiday spirits: A review of Netflix’s new show “Dash & Lily”

BY SOFIA MENDEZ

In this final stretch of 2020, a Christmas-themed series like “Dash & Lily” on Netflix is definitely a must-watch romantic comedy that will make you fall in love– even if you claim to hate love– in time for the winter holidays. There comes an age when people are in disbelief of the holiday celebrations; however, there’s something about Christmas and “Dash & Lily” that will make you realize about the little things in life and what truly matters during this time of year.

“Dash & Lily” is an American series based on the book known as “Dash & Lily’s Book of Fares” by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn. The series adaptation is produced by the famous singer and actor Nick Jonas, who decided to bet on this New York Times bestseller. The series forms part of Netflix’s proposals for this Christmas season, and it is inserted within the genre of romantic comedy.

This eight-episode comedy chronicles the romance between protagonist Dash (Austin Abrams), a young man who has lost faith in love and who runs away from the holiday celebrations with his parents to refuge alone in New York City. 

In a bookstore within the city, he finds the red notebook left by protagonist Lily (Midori Francis), a somewhat antisocial girl who suffered rejection in her childhood for being different. Without even knowing her, Dash accepts the dare challenge she proposes and poses his own, until what begins as a fun game turns into a real-life flirtation. Dash and Lily start becoming friends with a series of dares and challenges written in a special journal; however, soon they both start catching feelings for each other without knowing each other face-to-face.

Both protagonists definitely play their part with charisma and chemistry.

Both protagonists definitely play their part with charisma and chemistry. The creators of the series have displayed the conventions of a Christmas romantic comedy that has a handful of challenges in which the characters discover one another as well as themselves, while immersed in the bright and festive imagery of New York. They do dares with each other, which brings out the best of both characters and pushes them out of their comfort zones. 

For the first time in their lives, Dash and Lily can really pour their hearts out to each other rather than doing it with anyone else and this time, they feel heard rather than dismissed. As the audience, this is really refreshing to see because the characters explore feelings of loneliness and neglect while still finding the reasons to stay positive and look at the bright side of any situation.

A highlight of the series is how the interpersonal relationships the protagonists have with their family and friends are developed. Although these characters are not as fully focused on as the leads, Lily’s family– specifically her brother Langston (Troy Iwata) and her grandpa (James Saito)– have really important influential roles in her life. 

Additionally, the series shares Lily’s Asian heritage as they show her family’s rituals and traditions. This aspect of the show itself represents diversity and inclusiveness, which makes the audience appreciate their culture.

The setting of the series in New York City really sets the story perfectly.

The setting of the series in New York City really sets the story perfectly. Dash and Lily, through their dares, visit famous landmarks such as Grand Central Station and Macy’s, as well as local shops and bakeries. The constant commotion is also a big part of bringing the story to life and there is no better way to do it than in the Big Apple.

This Netflix series does not refuse to address its own current affairs; instead, it explores the conflicts of loneliness and rejection that is more common in today’s young generation. Nevertheless, it shows how love and acceptance is vital to have in life, and is a key component of the holiday season. 

“Dash & Lily” is a classic, must-watch holiday production that prides itself on being generational.

Photo courtesy of Meaww