Dash and Lily Netflix Review: A Charming Holiday Romance
Discover why Dash and Lily is the perfect holiday romance for Netflix fans
Dash and Lily Netflix Review: A Must-Watch Holiday Romance
Netflix’s Dash and Lily stands out as one of the most charming and delightful holiday series available on the streaming platform today. Based on the beloved young adult novel Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, this 2020 mini-series creates a perfect balance of romance, humor, and genuine emotion that elevates it above typical holiday fare. The series manages to capture the magic of the holiday season without relying on tired tropes or predictable storylines, offering viewers a refreshingly authentic take on modern romance set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City.
The Perfect Setup: Two Characters, One Notebook
At its core, Dash and Lily presents a deceptively simple premise that becomes the foundation for something truly special. The story begins weeks before Christmas when Dash, played by Austin Abrams, discovers a mysterious red notebook daring him to take on new adventures. Dash is a self-proclaimed curmudgeon who actively dislikes the holiday season and would rather lose himself in books than celebrate with others. However, the journal speaks directly to his inner book nerd, immediately capturing his attention and curiosity.
On the other side of this romantic equation is Lily, portrayed by Midori Francis, a dreamer with a sincere and genuine love for Christmas. Where Dash finds the holidays suffocating and commercial, Lily embraces handmade sweaters, quality time with family, and the positive atmosphere that permeates the season. Their contrasting personalities create the perfect dynamic for character growth and romantic development. The two characters share an adorable but unaware meet-cute early in the series when their shoulders bump while passing each other, setting the stage for their notebook-mediated connection.
Character Depth and Realistic Flaws
What makes Dash and Lily particularly compelling is that both main characters are presented as complete, well-rounded individuals rather than one-dimensional archetypes. Each character has their own circle of friends, personal opinions, insecurities, and realistic flaws that make them feel authentic and relatable to viewers. On the surface, the primary commonality between these two seemingly opposite personalities is that they’re both loners, though for different reasons. Dash doesn’t particularly like people and prefers immersing himself in the lives of fictional characters and stories. He does maintain a decent-sized group of friends, including his loyal best friend Boomer, played by Dante Brown.
Lily, conversely, is a loner by circumstance rather than choice. She’s awkward and struggles with fitting in socially, leaving her with very few friends despite her warm and optimistic nature. This fundamental difference in their social isolation creates interesting opportunities for their characters to challenge and support one another throughout the series. Their friendship and budding romance becomes a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.
The Romance Through Written Exchanges
Through their exchange of journal passages and personal stories, Dash and Lily begin falling for each other in a way that feels organic and genuine. The notebook dares serve a dual purpose: they challenge each character to step outside their comfort zones while simultaneously deepening their emotional connection. These challenges bring out the best in both characters, pushing them toward personal growth and helping them discover sides of themselves they didn’t know existed. A pivotal moment comes when Lily’s nonexistent love life becomes a project for her brother Langston, played by Troy Iwata, and his new boyfriend. Meanwhile, Dash finds an unexpected accomplice in his patient best friend Boomer, creating a support system that adds depth to the surrounding cast.
Exploring Deeper Themes
Dash and Lily goes beyond surface-level romance to explore meaningful themes that resonate with audiences. The series thoughtfully addresses feelings of loneliness and abandonment while maintaining an optimistic perspective throughout. One particularly compelling aspect of the show is how it tackles the idea of unrealistic expectations in relationships. Meeting through a journal creates an idealized world of excitement, dares, honesty, and engagement that feels perfect on paper. Both characters find themselves in a space where they can truly pour their hearts out to someone and feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed—a rare and precious experience for both.
This dynamic creates a poignant moment of clarity when both Dash and Lily confront the reality that no one person can save another, nor should they expect to be saved by romance. Lily, with little experience in love and dating, has imagined that she and Dash will share a perfect first meeting and kiss. When they finally meet face-to-face, the moment is decidedly messy, filled with awkwardness and misunderstandings. Yet paradoxically, this imperfect encounter turns out to be rather perfect in its own authentic way, demonstrating that real connection transcends idealized expectations.
Outstanding Cast Chemistry and Performance
Austin Abrams and Midori Francis demonstrate fantastic chemistry that serves as the backbone of the entire series. What’s particularly impressive is how the show subverts expectations about traditional romance narratives as it progresses. Despite spending minimal screen time together in early episodes, Abrams and Francis create a palpable connection that keeps viewers invested in their characters’ journey. Their performances are nuanced and authentic, bringing depth to characters that could easily have become stereotypical in less capable hands. The supporting cast, including Dante Brown as Boomer, Troy Iwata as Langston, and others, rounds out the ensemble with equally compelling performances that add layers to the narrative.
New York City as a Character
Beyond the central romance, Dash and Lily succeeds in making New York City feel like a character unto itself. Through their notebook dares, Dash and Lily explore the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Grand Central Station and Macy’s, as well as hidden gems like little-known shops and bakeries offering unique culinary experiences. The hustle and bustle of Manhattan during the holiday season plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life, creating an atmosphere of energy and magic.
The series demonstrates that holiday entertainment doesn’t need to be transplanted to quaint small towns to feel meaningful or create an authentic sense of celebration. Instead, it showcases how large urban environments can be equally charming and festive, particularly through the eyes of characters discovering their city anew. The multicultural landscape of New York is also reflected thoughtfully throughout the series, with various characters celebrating different traditions and rituals, creating a tapestry of diverse holiday experiences rather than focusing on a single tradition.
Romantic Complications and Real Obstacles
The narrative doesn’t exist in a vacuum free from complications. Various obstacles emerge in the form of meddlesome family members and competing romantic interests. Dash carries a lingering torch for his ex-girlfriend Sofia, portrayed by Keana Marie, who represents a comfortable connection and someone he could rely on during awkward social situations. These complications feel organic rather than artificially inserted, adding genuine stakes to the central romance and preventing the narrative from becoming predictable or saccharine.
Balancing Tone and Humor
Dash and Lily successfully balances a substantial amount of fluff, emotional angst, and humor without ever veering into territory that feels over-the-top or forced. The series maintains a tonal consistency that allows both comedic moments and genuine emotional beats to land effectively. While the show hits many traditional romantic comedy marks—including references to classic films like Notting Hill and Say Anything—these nods to the genre feel earned rather than gratuitous.
Why This Series Succeeds Where Others Fail
The fundamental strength of Dash and Lily rests entirely on the quality of its main characters and their development. With a predictable arc and a predilection for somewhat absurd coincidences, the show could easily cross from comfortingly familiar into outright formulaic territory. What keeps it firmly on the right side of that line is the liveliness and authenticity of its contemporary New York setting, combined with performances that feel genuine and emotionally resonant. The show refuses to condescend to its audience, treating the characters’ emotions and experiences with genuine respect and sincerity.
The Holiday Spirit Without Excess
One of the most refreshing aspects of Dash and Lily is how it approaches the holiday season without excessive sentimentality or commercial manipulation. The series celebrates the genuine warmth of human connection and personal growth during the festive season, focusing on how the holidays can bring people together and inspire change. Rather than relying on overwrought seasonal tropes, the show finds magic in small moments: a late-night conversation through journal entries, a shared experience exploring the city, or the simple act of being truly heard by another person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dash and Lily
Q: How many seasons of Dash and Lily are available?
A: Dash and Lily was released as a limited series in 2020, with a total of eight episodes. Netflix released a second season in 2022, continuing the story of these beloved characters.
Q: Is Dash and Lily appropriate for all ages?
A: The series carries a TV-14 rating, making it generally suitable for teenage viewers and older. Parents should be aware that the show contains some mild language and suggestive moments, though nothing particularly graphic or inappropriate.
Q: Does Dash and Lily follow the book series closely?
A: While the Netflix series is based on Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, it expands the story with additional characters, subplots, and details that go beyond the source material.
Q: When is the best time to watch Dash and Lily?
A: Although Dash and Lily is a holiday-themed series, its themes of personal growth and authentic connection make it enjoyable to watch year-round. That said, viewing it during the holiday season adds an extra layer of atmospheric enjoyment.
Q: Why is the notebook so important to the story?
A: The red notebook serves as both a mechanism for the central conceit and a metaphor for vulnerability and honest communication. It allows the characters to express themselves authentically before meeting face-to-face, creating genuine emotional intimacy.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, Dash and Lily proves to be thoughtful, charismatic, and authentic—easily ranking among the best series Netflix has offered during the holiday season. The show successfully captures the essence of what makes holiday romance appealing while avoiding the pitfalls that often plague the genre. Through well-developed characters, genuine chemistry, meaningful thematic exploration, and the magical backdrop of New York City, the series creates an experience that resonates with viewers long after the final credits roll. Whether you’re a devoted fan of holiday entertainment or someone typically skeptical of seasonal programming, Dash and Lily deserves a spot on your watchlist. It’s a series that celebrates human connection, personal growth, and the possibility of finding your person in the most unexpected ways—all wrapped up in a package of genuine warmth and authenticity that feels increasingly rare in contemporary entertainment.
References
- https://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/dash-and-lily-review-the-most-charming-holiday-series-youll-watch-this-year.php
- https://time.com/5909889/dash-lily-review-netflix/
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1758589/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEanmTQv8Ms
- https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/dash-and-lily-jonas-brothers-netflix
- https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/feminist-movies
