What Is Someday or One Day About?
The premise of Someday or One Day in 308 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a world where memories blur the line between dreams and reality, two young people, Li Zi Wei and Huang Yu Xuan, find their lives quietly intertwined by a longing neither can fully explain. Both are haunted by the same recurring visions — a figure in the rain, the distant strains of music in a record shop — sensations that linger long after waking, leaving them with the strange conviction that somewhere, somehow, they have already met.
When they cross paths by chance in 2009 at a small beverage shop, the recognition is immediate yet impossible to place. Zi Wei is drawn to Yu Xuan with an intensity that feels older than the moment itself, and despite being strangers, an unspoken familiarity pulls them together. As they grow closer, fragments of their shared past begin to surface — childhood encounters, half-remembered kindnesses, and a connection that seems to have been quietly waiting for them all along.
Their relationship deepens against the gentle rhythm of ordinary life — New Year’s celebrations, shared apartments, quiet evenings — until an inexplicable accident disrupts everything. A mysterious shift pulls them into a recurring loop across time, revealing that their bond stretches far beyond a single lifetime. Love, it seems, has followed them through countless existences, neither bound by years nor by the rules of the world they inhabit. Yet this enduring devotion carries a weight that cannot be ignored, a cost that shadows every tender moment.
Faced with a choice between the comfort of a fresh start and the gravity of memories that refuse to fade, Zi Wei and Yu Xuan must decide what they are willing to risk for a connection that defies time itself. The air between them hums with possibility and melancholy alike, suggesting that some loves are written long before the people living them ever understand the price.
What Happens in Someday or One Day?
The complete story of Someday or One Day, from the first scene to the last, in 771 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Huang Yuxuan and Li Ziwei experience a profound connection through a shared dream, where they encounter a mysterious figure in the rain and enjoy music in a record shop. However, upon waking, they feel like strangers. Their fates intertwine in 2009 when Huang Yuxuan meets Li Ziwei, whom she recognizes from her dreams, at a beverage shop where she works part-time. Intrigued by Yuxuan, Ziwei feels an instant connection, and they quickly grow closer despite being strangers.
As their romance blossomed, Yuxuan recounts a childhood memory of getting lost in Tainan, where she was guided home by an older boy – who turns out to be Ziwei. This revelation deepens their bond, and they celebrate their love by spending New Year’s Eve together in 2010, eventually becoming a couple. By 2014, they take their relationship to the next level by moving in together, yet in 2017, Yuxuan is offered a job transfer to Shanghai, threatening their stability.
Faced with the heart-wrenching decision to part ways, Ziwei reassures Yuxuan that he will respect her choice. In a poignant moment in a Shanghai hotel, Yuxuan reflects on their chats, realizing that the last time she heard from Ziwei was in 2014. Grief-stricken, she learns that Ziwei tragically died in a fall on July 10, 2014, leading her to live in denial, as she pretended he was still alive.
The plot thickens when Yuxuan receives an anonymous package at her workplace, containing a Walkman and a cassette tape of Wu Bai’s album The End of Love. As she listens to “Last Dance,” she unexpectedly finds herself inhabiting the body of another girl named Chen Yunru and realizes she has traveled back to July 8, 2014, just before Ziwei’s fatal incident. Rushing to find him, she embraces Ziwei, who is puzzled by her sudden emotional outburst.
While in Yunru’s body, Yuxuan attempts to explain her situation, claiming she is actually Yuxuan from 2017. However, Ziwei and Mo Junjie misunderstand her situation, believing that Yunru has simply changed drastically. Determined to save Ziwei, Yuxuan watches over him closely, but her distraction leads to disastrous consequences. As a chain of events unfolds, both she and Ziwei find themselves in a perilous situation on the rooftop of an abandoned building, leading to a tragic cycle.
Afterward, Yuxuan’s spirit returns to 2017, where she meets Mo Junjie and discovers another “Li Ziwei” who is actually Wang Quansheng, who has been inhabited by the spirit of Li Ziwei from 2017. Quansheng shares that their timelines diverge, revealing that in another alternate sequence of events, both Yuxuan and Yunru fell to their deaths. The story then follows the intertwining experiences of these characters across different timelines as they seek a way to save each other.
In 2017, together with Quansheng and Junjie, Yuxuan searches for Yunru, who is surprisingly still alive, only to uncover that she is married to Yang Hao, Yuxuan’s supervisor in Shanghai. After learning that Yunru is in a coma following a tragic miscarriage, Yuxuan discovers from Yang Hao about the potential of time travel through a special cassette tape. Regretting the twisted fates, they reveal that it was the tape that allowed Yunru to time travel back into Yuxuan’s life, setting off the events leading to the tragedies that are about to unfold.
Unbeknownst to Yuxuan, Yunru grapples with feelings of guilt and makes a tragic decision that will lead to a cycle of heartbreak. The narrative then shifts back to 2014, capturing the moment when both Yuxuan and Ziwei fall, culminating in their tragic end. In the aftermath of Yuxuan’s departure from existence, Yunru records everything in her diary in a bid to preserve their memories.
Years later, she encounters Quansheng, who is dealing with his personal struggles, leading to their bond and mutual support. In time, with Yunru’s encouragement, Quansheng decides to let go of the painful memories that the tape encapsulated. Together, they embark on a journey to destroy the very tape that caused their suffering.
After much emotional turmoil, Quansheng arranges a meet-up with Yunru at a record fair, where he apologizes for not fulfilling his promise to her. In a heartwarming moment, they listen to “Last Dance” together, which rekindles their shared memories.
Finally, Yuxuan awakens, pondering whether her experiences were nothing more than a vivid dream; upon turning and glimpsing Ziwei next to her, their entwined fingers reveal a reality filled with love. In a continuation of the story, events unfold in 2019, where Yuxuan and Ziwei plan to celebrate her birthday after a thoughtful video call from him, culminating in a surprise marriage proposal, embodying hope and a second chance.
Someday or One Day Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Recurring Dream” to “A New Beginning”. 9 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Recurring Dream
Huang Yuxuan and Li Ziwei experience the same dream about a familiar figure and music in a record shop during a rainstorm. Despite the vividness of the dream, once they awaken, they feel like strangers to each other in real life.
- 2
Meeting at the Beverage Shop
In 2009, Huang Yuxuan encounters Li Ziwei at her part-time job at a beverage shop, having seen him in her dreams. This meeting sparks an immediate attraction and an unusual sense of familiarity between them, quickly drawing them closer together.
When:2009 Where:Beverage Shop
- 3
Childhood Connection Revealed
Yuxuan shares a childhood memory with Ziwei about being lost in Tainan and helped by an older boy. Realizing that this boy was actually Ziwei himself, they uncover that their destinies had already intertwined long before their recent meeting.
Where:Tainan
- 4
New Year’s Eve Together
Yuxuan and Ziwei celebrate New Year's Eve together in 2010, solidifying their bond as a couple. This festive occasion marks a significant turning point in their relationship as they enjoy each other’s company and happiness.
When:2010
- 5
Living Together
In 2014, Yuxuan and Ziwei decide to move in together, marking the evolution of their relationship. Their time living together nurtures a deep emotional connection as they embrace each other's presence in daily life.
When:2014
- 6
Job Transfer to Shanghai
In 2017, Yuxuan receives a job offer for a transfer to Shanghai, creating tension regarding their relationship. Although Ziwei expresses his support for her decision, both feel the looming possibility of separation, affecting their bond.
When:2017 Where:Shanghai
- 7
The Sad Revelation
In a hotel room in Shanghai, Yuxuan realizes that Ziwei died in a tragic fall on July 10, 2014. Overcome with grief as she reads unread messages from him, she comes to terms with the haunting reality of his absence.
When:2017 Where:Hotel Room in Shanghai
- 8
Time Travel to the Past
Yuxuan receives an anonymous package at work containing a Walkman and a cassette tape that allows her to travel back to July 8, 2014. She becomes Chen Yunru, experiencing a race against time to save Ziwei from his tragic fate.
When:July 8, 2014
- 9
Attempt to Save Ziwei
Upon meeting Ziwei in her new form, Yuxuan struggles to convince him that she has traveled from the future. Despite her claims, Ziwei and another character, Mo Junjie, misunderstand her intentions, believing she has changed drastically.
Where:Ziwei's Studio
- 10
Climactic Collision
Yuxuan is drawn into a complex encounter involving multiple timelines, confronting different versions of herself and Ziwei. In a moment of chaos, Yuxuan's actions inadvertently lead to Ziwei's falling from a building, resulting in his tragic death.
Where:Abandoned Building
Show the other 5 events of Someday or One Day Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Seeking Answers
After returning to 2017, Yuxuan discovers Wang Quansheng, who reveals his connection to Ziwei from another timeline. Quansheng shares how he learned about time travel, giving her insight into their entangled fates and alternate possibilities.
- 12
Discovering the Tragic Diary
Yuxuan travels to Shanghai, learning from Yang Hao that Yunru, who inhabited her body, died after a miscarriage. The diary reveals the tragic circumstances leading up to the events that now intertwine their destinies and the potential for time travel.
Where:Shanghai
- 13
The Time-Loop Consequence
Yunru, confused about Yuxuan's determination, decides to commit suicide in a misguided attempt to change the course of events. This act ultimately reinforces the inevitability of the time loop that binds their fates together.
Where:Abandoned Building
- 14
Breaking the Cycle
In 2014, Quansheng and Yunru burn the cassette tape that allows time travel, believing that eliminating it can change their fates. They confront their memories and experiences at the seaside, symbolizing closure and moving forward.
Where:Seaside
- 15
A New Beginning
In 2019, Yuxuan receives a surprise proposal from Ziwei during her birthday celebration, bringing joy and a sense of hope. This moment symbolizes a new chapter in their lives, where they embrace love and the future together.
When:2019
Who Are the Main Characters in Someday or One Day?
5 characters, among them Huang Yuxuan, Li Ziwei and Chen Yunru: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- HY
Huang Yuxuan
Played by Ko Chia-Yen
Yuxuan is a complex character whose emotional journey takes center stage in the narrative. Initially burdened by grief and loss, her quest to rewrite the past demonstrates her determination and resilience. Throughout the film, she evolves from a passive sufferer to an active seeker of change, embodying the themes of love and fate.
- 👩❤️👨 Love
- 🕰️ Time Traveler
- 😢 Grief
- LZ
Li Ziwei
Played by Greg Hsu
Ziwei is portrayed as Yuxuan's love interest, whose tragic fate drives much of the plot. He is charming and deeply connected to Yuxuan, emerging as a symbol of lost potential and unrealized dreams. His character captivates the audience with his warmth and the gravity of his ultimate sacrifice, highlighting the poignant aspects of love and loss.
- 💔 Tragedy
- 💖 Love
- 🏆 Sacrifice
- CY
Chen Yunru
Played by Chia-Hui Chang
Yunru serves as a vital bridge between timelines, embodying the intersection of Yuxuan's past and future. With her shy, timid nature, her character's experiences add depth to the narrative, illustrating the impact of choices on one's life. Yunru's journey speaks to the essence of empathy and personal connection across timelines.
- 🌸 Timid
- 🌌 Connection
- 🌀 Complexity
- MJ
Mo Junjie
Played by Patrick Shih
Junjie is depicted as a supportive friend to Yuxuan, whose presence adds complexity to the emotional landscape of the story. He serves as a grounding character amidst the convoluted timeline, providing a mix of comic relief and poignant moments. His interactions reflect the enduring nature of friendship in the face of adversity.
- 🤝 Friendship
- 😄 Support
- 🎶 Music
- WQ
Wang Quansheng
Played by Greg Hsu
Quansheng represents a parallel journey to that of Yuxuan, discovering his connection to the narrative through a different lens. His character encapsulates themes of identity, acceptance, and the bittersweet nature of love. Navigating his own heartbreak, Quansheng's arc highlights the importance of resilience and making peace with the past.
- 🌈 Identity
- 🥀 Heartbreak
- 🔥 Resilience
Where and When Is Someday or One Day Set?
Someday or One Day is set in Tainan, Shanghai and Taiwan (2009-2019). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2009-2019
The film traverses a decade, showcasing the evolving relationship between Yuxuan and Ziwei from their initial meeting in 2009 to their engagement in 2019. This period captures significant changes in technology and social dynamics, reflecting personal growth and the recurring theme of time. It highlights the complexities of love, loss, and the search for second chances in life.
Where
Tainan, Shanghai, Taiwan
The story takes place in Tainan, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, where Huang Yuxuan recalls a significant childhood memory. Shanghai serves as a backdrop for Yuxuan's emotional turmoil and pivotal moments, symbolizing growth and separation. Taiwan, where key events unfold, represents the characters' roots and their heartfelt journeys.
- 🏙️ City
- 📍 Location
- 🏠 Home
What Are the Themes of Someday or One Day?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Time Travel, Love and Loss and Fate.
-
01
Time Travel
Time travel is a central theme, illustrated through Yuxuan's journey as she navigates past events to alter the fate of her loved ones. The narrative explores the impact of choices and the inevitability of certain outcomes. It offers a poignant look at how the past shapes the present and the lengths one will go to change destiny.
-
02
Love and Loss
The depth of love and the pain of loss resonate throughout the film, as characters grapple with their emotions tied to those they have lost. Yuxuan's quest to save Ziwei demonstrates the profound connection they share, even across timelines. Ultimately, the story delves into the complexities of love and the acceptance of loss.
-
03
Fate
Fate plays a crucial role in the characters' journeys, emphasizing the idea that some events are predetermined. The intertwining timelines reveal that despite their efforts to alter the past, certain outcomes remain unavoidable. This theme evokes a sense of both hope and resignation, as characters confront their destinies.
What Kind of Film Is Someday or One Day?
Bittersweet in tone, with variable pacing and a very complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Very complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A dreamlike romantic drama that weaves across multiple timelines as two lovers desperately try to save each other from death, balancing tender memories with devastating loss.
- dreamy
- melancholic
- nostalgic
- bittersweet
- haunting
- romantic
- time travel
- soul transfer
- grief and loss
- enduring love
Content notes: death, suicide, suicide attempt, grief, miscarriage, coma.
Quiz
How well do you remember Someday or One Day? Test yourself on the story.
