Dash and Lily - A Netflix Series Review

I have to complete the next Christmas challenge before time is up!

Airing in Netflix in 2020, Dash and Lily is a series that follows two teenagers desiring for the holidays to be different from what they usually are. Lily starts a game in a journal. Finding it, a cynical Dash play along. Exchanging the journal back and forth, Dash and Lily open up to one another about what Christmas means to them.

I had a fun time binging Dash and Lily while on the treadmill. Depending on who you are, holidays are either an exciting time or a mixed bag. The premise of the series was brought to my attention. Dash and Lily is an entertaining and mind-opening series.

Midori Frances and Austin Abrams both did a fantastic job. I always like it when media incorporates two separate story arcs. Their connections to their characters were written very well, especially Dash’s. Abrams worked closely with his emotional journey, opening up about his personal battles.

Change is difficult. Lily has lived holidays based on tradition. Taking a step out of her comfort zone, Lily learns to make her own decisions. Frances did a spectacular job finding all her emotions.

The best part about this friendship between Dash and Lily. They help one another learn things about themselves that they were not aware of. I could tell that the actors studied what the relationship was before filming started.

In my opinion, they should have been played by younger actors. Sometimes I forgot they were supposed to be teenagers when they clearly appear to be in their 20s.

Dash and Lily had an ensemble of characters. Recently, I saw James Saito in Netflix’s Love Hard. He manifests a completely different personality in both media. Other credits include the talents of Dante Brown, Troy Iwata, Leah Kreitz, Keana Marie, Agneeta Thacker, and Jodi Long.

Change is a recurring theme in Dash and Lily. We can all learn from the character's decisions in this series. Make decisions based on your comfort level. In Lily’s case, we have to listen to our instincts as we grow older.

My favorite part about this series was the incorporation of the journal. Fun ideas were created. As a writer, I was fascinated by all the exchanges. Writing is an interesting world. It allows you to explore your mind. Writing also lets you connect with your feelings and explore obstacles differently.

At times, the plot was a little too convenient when it had to be. Dash and Lily is meant as a fairytale set in modern times. Creator Peter Chelsum used most cliches from the romantic genre. Aside from that, he did make Dash and Lily as original as possible.

I was intrigued to see what would happen with the characters in each episode - especially with the journal. I cared about this journal. Media, where characters write back and forth is my favorite. Stories were edited together well, despite Dash and Lily having little screentime together.

Dash and Lily is all about breaking out of your comfort zone, primarily as adults. Don’t let old memories keep you from achieving goals. In a sense, I can relate to Lily. Adulthood is tough. As it turns out, it’s all about going on adventures, meeting new people, and making the best of the holidays.

Life is all about how we write the pathway. You write the story. Don’t let the pencil control it. Write a good one.

If you’re looking for a new series to watch on Netflix, watch Dash and Lily this holiday season.