Avid readers are always apprehensive when their beloved book gets adapted into a film or a TV show. Fans get so attached to the story that even a slight deviation can set them off. While most of them worry if the on-screen rendition would do justice to the source material, things are a little different for the film adaption of The Next 365 Days. Let us find out why.

Based on the book series by Blanka Lipińska, 365 days is a trilogy. Its latest film, The Next 365 Days released on Netflix as recently as August 19, 2022. While the first film in the series closely followed the book’s narrative, the same cannot be said for the sequels. Even the official announcement for the production explicitly mentions that the movies are only “loosely based” on the novels. And what is more? The alterations might just be for the better. 

Part two, titled 365 Days: This Day, already set a precedent for the deviation the movies would take when compared to the books. The meet-cute with Laura and Nacho in the book is also an imposter syndrome trope where she develops feelings for Nacho as he holds her against her will. Thankfully, the creators changed this detail in the film, and their relationship is harmless for the most part. The Next 365 Days, however, made many more changes to the flick.

The Next 365 Days: Book vs Movie

The beginning of the film mirrors the novel as we see Laura survive and recover after being shot. This is more detailed in the book, as it involves Nacho getting Laura a heart for her transplant from a source not mentioned anywhere. Also, in the book, she was actually pregnant. The movie takes a different route as Laura is pregnant in the first part and loses her baby after a car crash. 

Distinct from the movie, Laura is actually madly in love with Nacho, bordering on obsession, and moves in with him as Massimo does his own philandering. While shacking up with Nacho, a package with the remains of her dead dog (a gift from Massimo) is delivered to Laura’s doorstep. Massimo even falsely accuses Nacho of murdering the dod at Olga’s wedding.

ALSO READ: 5 Most Sensual Hot Scenes From ‘Next 365 Days’ Streaming on Netflix

The naive Laura takes Massimo on his world alone, ends things with Nacho, and goes back to her former love and captor. Massimo, once again, holds her captive when she discovers it was he who, in fact, killed the dog. If that wasn’t enough, he drugged Laura and tried to impregnate her. As part of her escape plan, Laura seduces Massimo and runs away from him back to Nacho.

The book ends with Laura and Nacho happily married with a daughter. Massimo ultimately gets over Laura, signs the divorce papers, and also gives up the company to her. While the book has a definitive ending, the movie went a different way and kept things open. We still don’t know whether Laura will choose Nacho or Massimo.

Why were the changes made?

Lipińska’s final book received a barrage of negative comments and backlash upon its release. The masochistic, problematic characters and storylines did not sit well with many fans. So, the alterations made for the film were probably to redeem itself and make things right.

However, the same might not be true for the ending. There is no fourth 365 Days book, as the trilogy has a clear ending with a payoff. But the film’s open-ended finale definitely hints at another movie in the making.

What did you think of the changes made in the movie? Do you believe they redeem the author? Let us know in the comments. You can check out The Next 365 Days now streaming on Netflix if you haven’t already.