The Fabulous Mission: The One That Got Away

Let me know if it's worth seeing.

I typically avoid romantic comedies due to their high percentage of schlock. But if it’s written in a book, I love a good relationship drama. One Day fits the bill for a classic will they/won’t they story. Will the film show the book's humanity and unspoken desires?

Recently, journalists at The Times proceeded to write their stories of The One That Got Away, relating their lives to One Day. Life imitates art, I suppose.

For me, The One That Got Away, wasn’t a boy, it was a coat. A 1970s Orange Suede Trenchcoat that would go perfectly with the Office boots. He had wide lapels, buttons, a wide orange suede belt and he fell to just above the knee. He was heavy to carry and wear. It was the sort of coat Penny Lane from Almost Famous would have worn, or maybe Mary Tyler Moore.

It fit me and was in perfect condition—two elusive qualities in vintage clothing. He was once the epitome of cool but he now hung out in a crowded thrift store in rural Quebec.

Sometimes, distance prevents relationships from succeeding, and I did need to go home to a town nearly 10 hours away. Sometimes, a holiday romance can’t last and I was basically on holiday (a French immersion course, in fact). Sometimes young love is doomed; I was only 22 years old and perhaps lacking foresight. But I suppose the real deal breaker was our social class. I couldn’t afford him. He was $25, which seemed absurdly expensive for a thrift store coat.

So, I found other reasons to reject him. He was too heavy. I didn’t want to look after him in the hot summer.

Although I moved on, I wish I had more time with him.

R.I.P. Orange Suede Trenchcoat. I hope you’ve been loved.

Regrets and mistakes they’re memories made,

Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste.

Never mind, I’ll find someone like you.

I wish nothing but the best for you, too.

- Adele, Someone Like You